MANSI BHAMBRI/Dehradun
Patients and attendees have expressed concern over the partially functioning electronic signboard at the OT, Emergency and ICU block of Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) Hospital. The signboard, intended to guide patients and visitors to the designated departments, is not fully operational; only parts of the text are visible at night. Specifically, the words “OT” and “ICU block” are visible, while only “Eme and y” is lit up for the Emergency department, making it difficult to see the full word “Emergency.” This has led to confusion for patients and their attendees when trying to locate the Emergency department.
Sources indicated that the electronic signboard has been partially functioning for a long time, raising questions about the delay in addressing its maintenance by the hospital administration.
Patient Veena Dixit stated that the partial operation of the electronic signboard is confusing for patients. She said that during the night, the entire word “Emergency” is not illuminated, causing patients and attendees to waste extra time finding the emergency building in critical situations. She added that while it might not be a major issue for locals, it can be significant for patients arriving from other districts or States.
Attendee Vinod Kumar remarked, “The partial functioning of the electronic signboard is a matter of concern and raises questions about the hospital administration’s delay in maintenance. It reflects not only their negligence but also their lack of consideration for patients and their attendees.”
Many other patients and attendees echoed similar concerns regarding the signboard’s functionality.
The medical superintendent Dr RS Bisht acknowledged the issue with the electronic sign board that displays “OT,” “Emergency,” and “ICU Block.” He said that the repairs are relatively quick and should take only a few minutes to a few hours; however, the challenge lies in accessing the machine needed to assist with the repair. The signboard is 36 feet above the ground, requiring hydraulic machinery for repair. The hospital administration is actively working on arranging this equipment and has recently requested it from the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun. It is expected that the electronic signboard will be repaired within two weeks.
