Deplorable Conditions Exposed At Maharashtra Hospital After 31 Patients Die In 48 Hours
In a shocking incident at Dr. Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital in central Maharashtra, tragedy struck as 31 patients lost their lives within a span of just 48 hours, starting from September 30. The aftermath of this devastating event has shed light on a series of concerning issues, with hygiene emerging as a major concern within the hospital premises.
Plastic bottles and wrappers found scattered around the hospital compounded the problems as they clogged the drains, worsening the overall sanitation conditions. The distressing sight of pigs wandering freely in open drainage areas adjacent to the hospital’s canteen added to the grim situation. These visuals have raised significant questions regarding the hospital’s adherence to the basic standards of cleanliness and hygiene that are paramount in any healthcare facility.
Amidst this dire situation, relatives of patients found themselves grappling with daily chores, which seemed like an added burden in an already challenging environment. Some were seen brushing their teeth, while others struggled with washing utensils. A woman, amidst her chores, expressed, “This is how it is every day,” highlighting the persistently dire conditions.
Another individual lamented, “We can’t use the toilet. We get nothing here; we have to go out for medicines and everything else. Where will the poor people go?” These grievances painted a grim picture of the hardships faced by the patients and their families.
The lack of essential resources within the hospital became a recurring theme of complaints. A relative of a patient voiced their concerns, saying, “Nothing is available here. You’ll have to get everything from outside. If you don’t have money, your child will die.” These heart-wrenching words underscored the dire need for improved infrastructure and facilities in the hospital.
In a surprising turn of events, a woman emerged with a broom and started cleaning one of the drains. She identified herself as an employee of the hospital’s canteen, and while she denied being instructed to clean the area upon spotting the camera, her actions revealed the dire need for immediate cleanliness measures.
A bystander interjected, emphasizing the deplorable conditions within the maternity ward, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by patients in different sections of the hospital.
A contractual sweeper working at the hospital shed light on the understaffing issue, pointing out that there aren’t enough personnel to adequately maintain the premises. He lamented the fact that one worker is tasked with overseeing multiple wards, making it impossible to maintain cleanliness standards. He also highlighted the daily intrusion of pigs, which feed on the garbage in the vicinity.
In response to the tragic events, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his government’s commitment to addressing the situation, assuring that the deaths were taken very seriously. However, he denied any shortage of medicines within the hospital.
In a symbolic gesture, Shiv Sena MP Hemant Patil compelled the hospital’s dean, Shyamrao Wakode, to clean a dirty toilet at the government facility. This bold action has led to a case being filed against the politician, sparking further discussions on the dire state of healthcare infrastructure and hygiene in the region.
