Wards shut for repair work, patients spend nights in hospital corridors

Neena Sharma

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 14

Incomplete renovation of the antenatal and postnatal wards has jeopardised postpartum care of mothers and newborn babies at the Women’s Hospital here. The hospital corridors are being used as makeshift wards for convalescing mothers and their babies since August. But, the onset of winter has made it difficult to spend nights in the cold.

The patients are shifted to the antenatal and postnatal care wards after childbirth. But, the wards have been shut due to repair and renovation work, which started in August.

The work was stopped midway due to shortageof funds.

Though the hospital authorities want to shift the patients to wards, the same cannot be done in the absence of power supply. The wards also need white wash.

The hospital is undergoing renovation and new blocks are being constructed ever since it was amalgamated with the Doon Medical College and Hospital. However, the move has compounded the trouble for patients. Not only has the construction work reduced the availability of beds and space, it has also led to chaos.

Dr Ashutosh Sayana, Director, Medical Education, said, “The matter has been brought to my notice. We will take steps to resume work.”

However, he declined to comment on when the wards will be opened for patients.

Every day, around 30-35 deliveries take place at the hospital, along with 10-15 caesarean operations. The decline in number of beds and renovation of ANC and PNC wards has exacerbated matters.