Satellite Hospital faces cleanliness, infrastructure issues

The Bhai Dharam Singh Urban Primary Health Centre, widely known as Satellite Hospital, located at Ranjit Avenue, continues to draw a large number of patients due to its reliable medical services, yet it struggles with issues of sanitation and poor infrastructure maintenance.

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The hospital, which provides general OPD services, child deliveries and even dental care, is popular among not just economically weaker sections but also patients from well-off families. Deployment of a full-time gynaecologist has further improved its reputation among locals.

“Usually, government hospitals cater to poor patients who cannot afford private healthcare. But here, even patients from affluent backgrounds prefer this centre due to better services,” said a visitor.

However, concerns about cleanliness and its upkeep have been consistently raised by visitors. During recent rains, part of the hospital’s boundary wall collapsed, allowing stray dogs to roam freely inside the premises. Overgrown wild grass and weeds have taken over much of the hospital’s open spaces, providing shelter to animals and even attracting addicts due to cannabis growth. The growth of congress grass, a plant known to cause respiratory problems, has also been spotted on the hospital grounds.

Waterlogging near the main entrance during the rainy season has added to visitors’ woes. “The hospital services are good, but its appearance and maintenance are poor. Private hospitals never allow such wild grass in their compounds. Here, the broken wall and roaming stray dogs make the place look neglected,” said Ravi, a patient’s attendant.

When contacted, Civil Surgeon Dr Kirandeep Kaur said, “Satellite Centre is one of the best hospitals in the city in terms of services. But yes, the boundary wall collapse is an issue. I have written to the higher authorities and it will be repaired soon. Growth of wild grass is more than usual this monsoon season, but we are regularly clearing it. Waterlogging is the responsibility of the MC.”