Garbage piles at GMC premises raise serious health concerns

Heaps of garbage, scattered polythene bags, and discarded paper cutlery strewn across the premises of Government Medical College (GMC) and its associated Guru Nanak Dev Hospital have turned one of the city’s premier healthcare institutions into an unsightly mess. Patients and visitors have sharply criticised the unhygienic conditions, saying they defeat the very purpose of a hospital.

The problem is particularly visible at the Bebe Nanaki Mother and Child Care Centre and near the nursing college, where piles of unattended waste emit a foul smell. Relatives of patients complained that in the absence of adequate dustbins, sanitation staff dump waste at these spots, creating inconvenience for visitors.

Used food containers, plastic cups, and leftover food were also found scattered along pathways meant for patients and attendants. Many visitors expressed concern that such unhygienic surroundings could increase the risk of infections, especially for those with weakened immunity. “People come here for treatment and recovery. Instead, they are forced to walk through garbage. It is shocking that a hospital cannot maintain basic cleanliness,” said a woman waiting outside the Bebe Nanaki Mother and Child Care Centre.

Patients’ attendants also pointed to stray animals rummaging through open waste piles, further worsening the situation. They said the hospital authorities must address the issue and implement an effective solution.

“At least large containers like bins can be placed at these locations so that sanitation staff can dispose of garbage bags properly. Moreover, plastic waste is being mixed with plant residue such as dry leaves, which increases the overall volume of waste. Plant residue should be decomposed in pits and not mixed with plastic waste,” said Rajbinder Singh, a visitor.

Health experts have repeatedly warned that poor sanitation on hospital premises can undermine public confidence and pose serious health hazards. Clean surroundings are considered a critical component of patient care, particularly in government-run tertiary care centres that witness heavy daily footfall.

Hospital authorities stated that waste from the designated spot near the Bebe Nanaki Mother and Child Care Centre is lifted by the municipal corporation. They added that instructions would be issued to sanitation staff to avoid mixing plant residue with plastic waste. An official further said that surprise inspections would be conducted and strict action taken if lapses were found.