Thiruvananthapuram: In spite of the Medical College Hospital (MCH) having access to the sewage system, seepage of contaminants into well continues unabated. Residential areas behind MCH super speciality block at Elangavu Kaadu Lane and houses around Priyadarshini Institute of Paramedical Sciences depend mainly on well. The quality of water here has deteriorated due to a high level of ammonia.“Ever since the super speciality block came into existence, we have poor water quality in wells in Elangavu Kaadu.
They were channelising some water to soak pit on the super speciality block premises. We stay around 10 metres from it, and our water got contaminated. They did some minor corrective measures to soak pits, but for reasons unknown, we still get poor quality water,” said Suresh Kumar, a resident. During the rainy season, well water looks yellow and foul smells of chemicals are reported. As per norms, any hospital above 100 beds needs to have wastewater treatment facilities.
However, MCH was still to strike a deal with KWA to have in-house water treatment facilities. Former councillor and activist G.S. Sreekumar says the peculiar geography of MCH, sitting on a hillock, makes matters grave. “The affected areas are located on a corner. The super speciality block itself sits on a location where gravity-based drainage of waste water without disturbing ground water sources is an issue,” he said.
Hygiene, housekeeping abysmal at MCH
Leaking drains, unclean stretchers and ill maintained wards leave the prestigious Medical College Hospital (MCH) here unhygienic. “I had come here to visit my friend in the female ward with a severe asthmatic condition. We stepped out to find leaking drainage infested with flies and mosquitoes, and the sight was unbearable,” said Vishnu Das, a Pongumoodu resident. While hospitals across the country sharply focus on preventing cross infections, hand sanitising takes a back seat here.
“Hand sanitising stations are something you find on lobbies of hospital wards for visitors. It is essential for the protection of staff, patients and even the visitors. There is hardly any hand sanitising station on MCH premises where laymen go,” said Ajaya Kumar, an ambulance driver. "Blood stains on stretchers at casualty block is a common sight." While Medex was showcasing achievements, it also gives a sneak peek into the poorly maintained departments.
“Enroute the exhibition near radiology section, we pass through sheds, and smaller building below with plastic waste heap. The best students manage to get admission here, but they don’t even get to sit in freshly painted classrooms,” said Manoj Sivakumar, a visitor. Resident doctors blame it on poor staff strength in housekeeping and unruly visitors.
