PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Several patients and attendants in the Emergency wards of Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) have expressed concerns over inadequate cooling from the air conditioning units installed in the wards and also in the Emergency ICU. They reported that insufficient cooling is causing discomfort amid the surging temperatures this season.
Addressing the issue, the Head of the Emergency department and deputy medical superintendent, Dr NS Bisht stated that the hospital ensures a balanced air conditioning temperature. “While some patients feel cold due to their medical conditions, others do not and the temperature is regulated to suit varying patient needs,” he added.
One patient, who wished to remain anonymous, shared that he has remained admitted to the Emergency ward (ICU) for the past few days. “With temperature mounting, the hospital’s AC is not functioning properly. We have taken up the matter with the officials concerned, but nothing happened. Along with others, I am suffering the heat,” he said.
An attendant, Gyanvati, expressed similar concerns, claiming that the cooling in the Emergency area, where staff, including nurses and doctors, are stationed, is normal. “However, in the patient admission areas, the cooling is insufficient. My patient has been suffering from the heat in the Emergency ward with the authorities remaining indifferent. The patients should be appropriately taken care of; they should not be allowed to become sicker than they are due to the heat,” she said.
She further said that she has to fan the patient with a piece of cloth to provide some relief from the heat.
Many other patients and attendants have expressed similar concerns over the inadequate cooling in the Emergency wards.
In response, Dr Bisht said that the Emergency wards experience a higher volume of patients suffering from shock and trauma. “This often leads to these patients feeling cold. Though they are provided blankets and arrangements are made to keep them warm, some still feel chilly, resulting in the hospital administration requiring them to adjust the AC settings for their comfort,” he said.
He, however, hastened to add that there are some patients who require AC for their condition. “The hospital administration aims to maintain a balance by periodically switching the AC on and off and adjusting the temperature as needed,” he added.
