A Dismal Welcome Awaits at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital

Imagine stepping into a revered health facility only to be greeted by a massive pile of garbage just across from the emergency ward. This is the grim reality at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital (GNDH) in the holy city, where a pristine healing environment is essential for patient recovery.

Cleanliness Concerns Despite Outsourcing

Despite the hospital outsourcing its cleaning efforts to a private agency, PESCO, littered plastic waste starkly mars the expansive grounds. This unhealthy scenario raises critical questions about the effectiveness of these cleaning services.

Patient Safety at Risk

Raman Kumar, a visitor attending to a patient, voiced his frustration over the abysmal state of cleanliness, emphasizing that hospitals must adhere to strict hygiene protocols to minimize infection risks. He pointed out the dire consequences, especially during the monsoon, when such refuse can become a breeding ground for diseases.

Community Responsibility or Lack Thereof?

While the authorities bear a significant share of the blame, they emphasize that visitors also contribute to the problem. With the hospital accommodating over 10,000 people daily, it’s common for each patient to have multiple attendants, many of whom bring along plastic waste that ends up discarded in the hospital's open areas.

Majority of Waste is Plastic!

Dr. Karamjit Singh, the Medical Superintendent, highlighted a staggering fact—over 90% of the waste generated at the hospital consists of plastic bags. He urged visitors, particularly from economically challenged backgrounds, to refrain from bringing in disposable plastic materials.

Municipal Support Needed

The responsibility of removing waste from outside the hospital lies with the local municipal authorities, who currently perform this task every other day. Dr. Singh has made repeated requests for this service to be upgraded to a daily operation, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

What’s Next?

With such dire conditions affecting patient safety and comfort, urgent action is needed from both hospital administrators and the community. The time has come to ensure that Guru Nanak Dev Hospital reflects the sanctuary it ought to be for those seeking healing.