Ground report: TB sanatorium in critical condition, requires urgent revamp

Tuberculosis (TB) patients require a clean, hygienic environment to recover, yet the TB sanatorium attached to the Government Medical College in Amritsar stands in stark contrast to this basic requirement.

The facility, housed in one of the city’s oldest British-era buildings, sits on a large, serene plot on Mall Road, surrounded by hundreds of trees meant to offer comfort and fresh air. However, the sanatorium now resembles a neglected area, with stray dogs, unattended garbage heaps, crumbling buildings, and a pervasive foul smell.

A visit to the hospital reveals that many patients prefer to sit outside the wards, complaining of the stench and humidity inside. Such conditions are detrimental to the health of TB patients, as they require a clean, dry, and ventilated space for recovery.

The facility currently serves nearly 5,000 active tuberculosis patients. The indoor wards cater to those needing special care, but these areas are not in ideal condition. The OPD block, while in slightly better shape, still shows signs of neglect, with missing or broken sanitary fittings, broken windows and doors, and junk cluttering the corridors. These conditions are an eyesore for even the poor patients who visit the facility.

One staff member, wishing to remain anonymous, lamented, “It has been scientifically established that TB prevalence is higher in slums and other unhygienic habitats. The only difference between this sanatorium and a slum is that it has abundant trees and spacious open areas.”

While the most dilapidated building blocks have been permanently shut down due to safety concerns, the ones still in use for housing indoor patients are far from ideal. The iron mesh, intended to protect patients from mosquitoes, is broken, and the electrical switchboards lack protective covers. Broken windows have been patched with makeshift materials, further highlighting the lack of proper maintenance.

Dr Guneet, Head of the Chest Department and Incharge of the Sanatorium, acknowledged the issues, stating, “Recently, we replaced the roof of the Indoor Patient Department, and new washrooms are under construction in the indoor patient area.” She also mentioned that the government has proposed building a new block to address the deteriorating conditions.

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