Patients clean ward at Barwala care centre

Amit Bathla

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, July 22

Patients are forced to clean wards at BRS Dental College in Barwala, a dedicated Covid care facility in Panchkula, for want of adequate housekeeping staff.

Over 60 Covid patients are receiving treatment at this facility, which could accommodate up to 300 patients, health officials said.

More sweepers provided: CMO

The Municipal Corporation had provided more sweepers for the cleaning work at the facility. Some patients did it, but arrangements had been made to address the issue, said Jasjeet Kaur, Chief Medical Officer.

In video clips shared by patients with Chandigarh Tribune, they are seen sweeping and mopping the floor.

Some patients said cleanliness and hygiene remain the biggest concern for them. Once a patient had found a fly in the food served to her.

“The patients in our ward are being left unattended without any proper medical attention. Hygiene and lack of basic facilities have been a persistent problem. What is the point of keeping us here if they aren’t able to take care of patients?” said the 18-year-old patient, wishing not to be named.

“The toilets aren’t being cleaned regularly,” another patient said.

The patients’ family members said they don’t speak up against the poor treatment fearing that their loved ones lodged in the hospital would have to suffer the consequences of shaming the government arrangements.

“We can’t afford to complain against the poor Covid-19 arrangements as it could have significant ramifications, particularly when they are still receiving treatment at the facility,” said the father of a patient. New patients are reluctant to get admitted at this facility and urge the authorities concerned to place them under home isolation.