MANSI BHAMBRI/Dehradun
Stagnant water at the two-wheeler parking area of the OT, Emergency and ICU block in Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) Hospital has triggered concern among visitors about the risk of dengue. Several people visiting the hospital flagged the issue and urged the administration to act quickly. They warned that if not cleared, the water could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and put patients and attendants at risk of dengue and other vector-borne diseases.
The Health department has been running awareness drives and prevention activities across Dehradun district and has repeatedly asked residents to clear stagnant water. However, stagnant water inside a major government hospital has raised questions about the hospital administration’s attention to patient and visitor safety.
An attendant Mohan said that the footfall at the emergency ward is already high and such negligence during monsoon could lead to more dengue cases. “The hospital administration must look into this immediately and ensure the safety of everyone coming here,” he said.
A patient speaking on the condition of anonymity said, “We come to the hospital for treatment. Negligence like this increases the risk of dengue and other illnesses. Instead of getting treated, patients may end up catching new infections. Authorities should ensure there is no stagnant water in the hospital compound.”
A hospital official not wanting to be named said that this is a recurring problem in the area due to improper construction. “This happens in the monsoon. Water is cleared temporarily but a permanent solution is yet to be executed. We have suggested that authorities take temporary measures to reduce health risks and public inconvenience till the issue is fixed, but nothing has been done yet,” the official said.
Responding to the concerns, GDMC Hospital medical superintendent Dr RS Bisht said construction work is underway in the adjoining building, which is linked to the OT, Emergency and ICU block. “The generator plant currently located in the OT, Emergency and ICU block will be shifted to the new building soon. After that, the entire floor of the emergency block will be repaired, which will permanently resolve the stagnant water problem,” Bisht said. He added that till the repair work is completed, the hospital administration will ensure regular clearing of stagnant water from the premises.
