News Desk, Kolkata : In the heart of Kolkata, a peculiar tale unfolds, where the walls of hospitals have become canvases for the unpredictable strokes of fate. A pipe burst, transformed into a cascading waterfall of liquid hues, adorns the path to a hospital. Amidst this watery spectacle, a unique ecosystem thrives – patients navigate a maze of hospital corridors, unimpeded by a tranquil courtyard turned into a pond. Surprisingly, even a stray cat strolls out from the wards, adding its presence to this peculiar scene.
Years ago, a hospital in Kolkata witnessed a curious incident when a cat proudly presented a patient’s amputated leg. Recently, the emergency section of Kolkata R.G.Kar Medical College Hospital witnessed another intriguing ‘sight- a dog, cat leisurely strolling on the balcony of the ENT ward. A staff member explained, “Dogs Cats come for the leftovers in the food tray, but they don’t bother anyone.” The feline escapades are not limited to the hospitals; even the hospital’s surroundings bear the remnants of meals – a corner stacked with rice, lentils, and curry.
However, opinions diverge on the issue of cleanliness. Some argue for heightened vigilance on hospital hygiene, emphasizing the need for authorities to ensure cleanliness. On the other hand, there are those who point out that overcrowded government hospitals force patients to return home after treatment, and in such cases, it is the responsibility of the public to maintain hospital cleanliness.
The saga extends beyond the confines of hospital walls. A graffiti on the courtyard of Park Circus Medical College Hospital warns against spitting with a hefty fine, yet adjacent walls wear the crimson stains of betel nut juice, untouched by the deterrence. Authorities claim that despite the penalty, people continue to indulge in the act, and identifying the culprits remains a challenge. The hospital’s assertion that they are not responsible for enforcing the fine raises questions about the efficacy of such measures.
The narrative unfolds further as we glimpse into the National Medical College Hospital’s courtyard, where water flows freely in a pond-like formation. Discarded items such as broken tubes, iron rods, and various waste materials clutter the area around the generator room. The vicinity of Nilratan Sircar Medical College Hospital paints a similar picture, with littered clothes of discharged patients left outside, creating an eyesore. Nearby, a dismantled almirah lies next to an oxygen cylinder, revealing the neglect of hygiene.
These instances prompt a critical question about the state of other government hospitals that witness a substantial influx of patients daily. Is the effort to maintain cleanliness limited to rhetoric or does it translate into action?
Recently, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited ailing poet Kabir Suman at Medical College, accompanied by healthcare professionals. The scrutiny prompted a reevaluation of cleanliness measures in the hospital courtyard. This incident sparks a broader inquiry into the condition of other government hospitals, where a multitude seeks medical care daily. Is there a concerted effort to address the challenges of maintaining cleanliness in these crucial healthcare institutions?
In the unfolding drama of Kolkata’s hospitals, each establishment becomes a symbol entwined with the city’s history. The need for addressing visual pollution becomes evident to many, and the state’s health education authorities emphasize the urgency of strengthening cleanliness measures in the wake of the Kolkata Medical College incident.
As the saga continues, it raises questions about the commitment of medical colleges and hospitals to provide a clean and sanitary environment for patients. The central issue is not confined to a single institution; rather, it encapsulates the broader challenge faced by public healthcare facilities in maintaining cleanliness amidst overwhelming patient inflow. The need for a collective effort, involving both authorities and the public, becomes paramount in ensuring a hygienic and safe environment for all.
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Our news media denounces any form of bias and disapproves of sensationalism. The disseminated news is entirely educational and aimed at social awareness. Our media maintains absolute impartiality, adhering solely to the purpose of education and social consciousness.