Sad state of the OPD loo at Wenlock Hospital

• Loose wash basin tap, flush without water connection

Mangaluru: Government hospitals exist to provide health services to the poor and it is essential that the hospital is well equipped with the necessary facilities. But, if one visits the loo for the OPD (Out Patient Department) at the city’s Government Wenlock Hospital, one will surely witness the grand display of disorder here.

Based on the tip off from a reader regarding the restroom problem at the hospital’s OPD, a team from ‘Udayavani’ visited the spot. The team witnessed broken taps and dysfunctional flush here. There are altogether 4 toilets particularly for men and women, of which 2 toilets of either divisions have been locked. Wenlock hospital is renowned as the best government hospital in the state. But along with the service, the basic infrastructure also needs to be good.

But due to the lack of proper facilities at the washroom for the OPD, unnecessary problems are being caused to the patient. Flush system has been installed within the toilets but the pipe has broken and only the iron rod remains. Besides, the top cover for the flush system at the men’s toilet is missing. Sometimes when there is no water in the tap, water from the flush becomes essential. But since there is no pipe connection, there is no water there too, says a relative accompanying a patient.

Broken basin tap

Wash basins have been installed outside of the washrooms for men and women for the patients or those accompanying them to wash their hands and face. But what is amazing is that the taps of all the wash basins including those meant for men and women have broken and shake when touched. Besides, there is no water coming from the three basins only causing more trouble to the patient. According to the relatives of some patients, sometimes water does come from the wash basin taps. But during the non-availability of water, it needs to be filled from the tap in the toilet so that one can wash their hands and face.

Letter has been written to the minister

Since a long time these problems have persisted at the washrooms. This has been informed to the Wenlock officials, deputy commissioner and the previous health minister Ramesh Kumar through a letter. Even then the disorder has continued, informs Jadhav Mundodu, a resident of the city.

Repair on Saturday

“The water facility at the hospital is alright. There is no problem. In the backdrop of a broken tap, one toilet has been locked. The toilets without flush facility will be provided with the system immediately. The repairmen are on vaction, hence the repair work will be done on Saturday morning,” said Dr Rajeshwari Devi, Medical superintendent, Wenlock Hospital.

Article by Dhanya Balekaje translated into English by Aaron Dmello