VIP visit leaves patients, attendants harassed

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 15

A small VIP gathering at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, to celebrate annual research day caused harassment to several patients, attendants and MBBS students.

Reason: Two entrances of the hospital were closed during the function. The gate number 4 and entry to Block C, where all private and general wards are located, were closed. Since there were no alternative parking space and no guidance at the entrance, people found themselves at sea.

A security guard deployed at gate number 4 did not allow people other than staff members to cross. Similar was scene at the parking of Block C.

The entrance remained closed till about 1 pm today. This is the time when a large number of patients visit OPD and other departments of the hospital. Due to the closure of two gates, people were forced to take a longer route to enter the hospital. Some kept driving around the hospital scouting for parking space.

“We understand VIPs must have come for the function. But this does not mean that common people should be made to suffer. They should not have closed the gate as we have come here for treatment and not for any function,” rued Deepak Kumar, while arguing with a guard at gate number 4.

“We had brought juice and food for our relative who is admitted here. However, our vehicle was not allowed to enter the Block C parking. When we asked them where to park the car, they said we do not know,” added Rakesh Mohan, who had come from Kharar.

Medical Superintendent Prof Ravi Gupta said closure of entrances was not in his knowledge. He, however, added that only staff members were allowed to enter the hospital premises from gate number 4.

Arun Kumar Gupta, Home Secretary was the chief guest at the function which was attended by GMCH Director BS Chavan too.

UT Adviser Parimal Rai was to attend the event too but his visit could not materialise.