Relatives turn Mayo’s surgical wards into dumping yard

Nagpur: Apathetic family members and relatives of patients admitted to IGGMC's posh surgical wards have literally turned the corridors and waiting areas into littered spots, with heaps of trash seen dumped everywhere. Food waste and plastic litter the area, attracting stray dogs that roam inside the wards. The unhygienic conditions raise serious concerns about safety of patients despite the hospital's modern facilities. This comes amidst the administration cracking down on violators and collecting a fine of Rs 17,000 for spitting and littering, besides confiscating kharra pouches.
TOI visited the complex on Saturday and found relatives throwing food leftovers, plastic wrappers, and even soiled material all over the ward floors. When asked, they blamed the hospital administration, saying it provides only one small dustbin in many areas, which quickly overflows and is not emptied periodically.
Shockingly, used gloves likely discarded by hospital staff were also found tossed below the ramp near the entrance of the complex. These are medical-grade gloves that can carry infections if not disposed of properly. "It's extremely dangerous to leave such bio waste out in the open, especially in a hospital where patients with low immunity are being treated," said a visitor.
The poor hygiene and sanitation have also resulted in the locking of toilets on the floors for visitors. "Toilets inside the wards are good and well maintained. But visitors or relatives waiting outside have to go out of the main gate to relieve themselves," said a woman. The toilet area too has been turned into a dumping site.
Making matters worse, stray dogs too were spotted roaming inside the complex. Not only are the strays freely roaming the corridors, but they've also been seen defecating on the floors. Though many relatives complained about the poor state of cleanliness in the hospital, some of them appreciated the immaculate interiors of the wards.
IGGMCH dean Dr Ravi Chauhan admitted there's a shortage of manpower, which makes it difficult to manage cleanliness round the clock. "A new contractor would soon be appointed. But we're taking action regularly to curb the menace. We've already fined several people for littering and collected a total fine of Rs 17,800 so far," he said, adding the administration will continue collecting penalties from offenders.
Nagpur: Apathetic family members and relatives of patients admitted to IGGMC's posh surgical wards have literally turned the corridors and waiting areas into littered spots, with heaps of trash seen dumped everywhere. Food waste and plastic litter the area, attracting stray dogs that roam inside the wards. The unhygienic conditions raise serious concerns about safety of patients despite the hospital's modern facilities. This comes amidst the administration cracking down on violators and collecting a fine of Rs 17,000 for spitting and littering, besides confiscating kharra pouches.
TOI visited the complex on Saturday and found relatives throwing food leftovers, plastic wrappers, and even soiled material all over the ward floors. When asked, they blamed the hospital administration, saying it provides only one small dustbin in many areas, which quickly overflows and is not emptied periodically.
Shockingly, used gloves likely discarded by hospital staff were also found tossed below the ramp near the entrance of the complex. These are medical-grade gloves that can carry infections if not disposed of properly. "It's extremely dangerous to leave such bio waste out in the open, especially in a hospital where patients with low immunity are being treated," said a visitor.
The poor hygiene and sanitation have also resulted in the locking of toilets on the floors for visitors. "Toilets inside the wards are good and well maintained. But visitors or relatives waiting outside have to go out of the main gate to relieve themselves," said a woman. The toilet area too has been turned into a dumping site.
Making matters worse, stray dogs too were spotted roaming inside the complex. Not only are the strays freely roaming the corridors, but they've also been seen defecating on the floors. Though many relatives complained about the poor state of cleanliness in the hospital, some of them appreciated the immaculate interiors of the wards.
IGGMCH dean Dr Ravi Chauhan admitted there's a shortage of manpower, which makes it difficult to manage cleanliness round the clock. "A new contractor would soon be appointed. But we're taking action regularly to curb the menace. We've already fined several people for littering and collected a total fine of Rs 17,800 so far," he said, adding the administration will continue collecting penalties from offenders.