Mumbai: Passing by the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital in Kandivali, one would probably think of it as a plush medical complex. But walking into the newly reconstructed and reopened hospital reveals a stark contrast. Some 20-odd patients await their turn on the ground floor of the outpatient department (OPD) building.
While there is space allotted for X-rays, the labour room and pharmacy, the hospital looks like an abandoned building, with flickering lights, empty floors, equipment and baggage lying around, and most parts covered in dust.
When The Hindu visited the hospital on Wednesday, the first, second, fifth and sixth floors were not operational. While it was easy to enter the stairway, it was impossible to open the door to exit the stairway. Moreover, only a few fire extinguishers were found on the premises.
Though stickers and signboards in English are put up in every nook and cranny, visiting patients often find it difficult to make their way to the department to which they have been referred.
On Wednesday, for instance, Sudhesh Tambe, an employee of a Mumbai-based conglomerate, had brought his mother for a hernia check-up all the way from Virar. However, the mother and son could not find their way inside for a long time. “It is really confusing, and even the staff are not aware which department is where,” Mr. Tambe said.
Chandrakant Salunke, a Kandivali resident who has been visiting the hospital regularly, agrees with Mr. Tambe. “After coming here for some time, we are now acquainted with the place. Imagine the plight of newcomers. Sometimes there is nobody at the desk too.”
Another patient from Virar, who did not wish to be named, said the fire at the Andheri ESIC Hospital had scared her. “The infrastructure here has a lot to offer if utilised and maintained properly. There need to be fire extinguishers handy and instructions for regular visitors to understand and operate in times of distress,” she said.
Dr. Rajesh Swami, medical superintendent of the hospital, said while the building was reopened for patients recently, they are in the process of putting equipment in place. “We reopened the hospital in October and are currently organising it. We do have fire safety measures in place in the hospital,” Dr. Swami said.