Hygiene at Udupi government hospital a big mess

Hygiene at Udupi government hospital a big mess

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Aug 28, 2015: The district government hospital is a big stink from all angles.  Even the  cesspool tank  on the premises is damaged, blocked and the effluents are flowing all over the hospital grounds.

The damaged waste water tank is in front of the mortuary and the sewage water is over flowing all over the area. Effluents with foul smell, waste from the entire hospital is being collected in the pit and the damage has made the surroundings as  unhealthy as can be. The patients and the public have to use the path and face a horrendous situation.

The situation has existed for days now, the district hospital administration is cool to deal with it - which only shows the height of irresponsibility - of the administration. The administration, is only shifting the responsibility to the district administration, saying the work should be carried out as per the rules following the deputy commissioner’s approval. The City Municipal Council too is not concerned.

A local social activist Nityananda Olakadu stated that the issue had been brought to the notice of the district surgeon. It is still under consideration and the deputy commissioner is contacted for further action. Complaining that the condition in and around the hospital is extremely unhygienic and the Health Department officials are least worried about the hazards of the problem.

Activist Nityananda warned that he would only wait for three days and later take up strong protest before the hospital, demanding action. The pit should be repaired immediately and the district administration should not play with the lives of the patients and the public.

A local resident said that as the area is residential,  the people in the neighbourhood were suffering, besides the patients. The sewage is flowing beyond the hospital compound, making it a huge menace.

There is also danger of the sewage contaminating Municipality water pipes. There is also a swimming pool adjacent to the district stadium and there are possibilities of the water in the swimming pool getting contaminated if the damage to the pit is left unattended to. It is said the pit and the drainage system was built about 40 years ago and it has remained untouched since.

The district surgeon Dr R Mahendra said measures are taken to repair the pit. The estimated cost is Rs 10 lakh, which will be released immediately. The works pertaining to the district government hospital can be done only through the Karnataka Health System Development and Reform Project.  A cure is still not in sight.