Inadequate chairs at GNDH, visitors inconvenienced

Manmeet Singh Gill
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, July 20

Due to inadequate seating arrangement for patients’ attendants outside the operation theatres and indoor wards of Guru Nanak Dev Hospital (GNDH), people can be seen sitting or lying on the floor. It is not only unhygienic, but also highlights the indifference of the public health system to visitors.

A visit to Bebe Nanki Mother and Child Care centre of the hospital revealed that a large numbers of people were sitting on the floor outside the operation theatres and wards. Others were seen having meals on the ground. A few of them had spread bed sheets on the floor to sleep. No chair or benches could be spotted near the place. People often wait outside operation theatres while patients undergo surgery.

A visitor, Satnam Singh, said, “This is the true picture of the public health services. Even as the practice is unhygienic, culturally too making someone sit on floor is considered degradation to a person’s dignity.”

Officials say the number of patients at the government hospital had increased manyfold over the years and it was not possible to create seating arrangements for all when more than one attendant accompanies every patient.

An official said, “A few benches are kept outside the operation theatre but obviously these are not sufficient due to huge rush of patients.”

Medical Superintendent Dr Shiv Charan said, “Adequate chairs have been placed at the reception and OPD areas. We will look into the matter and see if more can be installed.”