Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 9 October 2021
Primary Health Centre, Ferrargunj is said to be in a bad state these days. It has been reported that the patients from the PHC had to be shifted to their respective homes on 8th October 2021 because of the seepage of water inside the wards at PHC Ferrargunj.
The water reportedly entered the wards through the broken windows and the leaking roof and the condition was said to be so bad that it seemed that the hospital was flooded. It is being said that keeping in view the discomfort of being faced by the patients the hospital authorities shifted the in-patients to their homes using the ambulance.
Mr. Sunil Kumar, Ex-Pradhan of Ferrargunj spoke to Nicobar Times on the issue and informed that the condition of PHC Ferrargunj was never so bad. He added that the hospital authorities have informed him that they have requested the repairs to the building, but nothing has been done so far.
Mr. Sunil also informed that apart from the broken fixtures, the toilets of PHC Ferrargunj is in very bad shape, he added that the toilet is not cleaned properly and the patients are suffering because of it. Mr. Sunil said that he visited the male ward toilet and was surprised to see that the hospital toilet was filthy.
Mr. Sunil also informed that he has sent the videos of PHC Ferargunj to the senior officers of the Health Department.
It is very important that the building of PHCs are maintained properly so that the already suffering patients do not have to suffer because of the bad infrastructure. Cleanliness has always been a major issue at our health care institutions. The Toilets needs to be cleaned properly in a hospital environment to avoid the risk of infections to other patients. Filthy and uncleaned toilets should never be the acceptable norm in a hospital environment.
The senior officers of the Directorate of Health Services should look into the bad state of PHC Ferrargunj and take corrective measures for the convenience of the patients.
Surprise inspection teams should be formulated which should include the members of the general public, PRIs and empowered officers to check on the cleanliness at the hospital and especially hospital toilets.
The complaint of bad hygiene should also be dealt with seriously and stern action should be taken against those responsible.