Citizens protest against condition of district hospital

Demand action against doctors moving out to private hospitals

The district hospital is in an extremely despicable conditions and authorities concerned should take necessary steps to improve its state, demanded activists of various organisations on Monday.

The members, who staged a protest on the premises of the hospital on Monday, also attempted to lock up the hospital, but with the hospital being provided heavy police security, they could not enter. There was also a minor scuffle between the police staff and the protesters, including a verbal duel between them.

‘No facilities’

Farmer leader Yaluvahalli Sonnegowda, who addressed the protesters, said the hospital was situated at the district headquarters, yet the district administration and the State government too had failed to ensure it was well-equipped.

“There is shortage of doctors and medical staff. The hospital does not have proper facilities, management too is substandard. None of the authorities, however, has taken the initiative to work at solving the problems,” he complained.

Vacant posts

“The State government has not tried to fill the vacant posts of medical staff and doctors in the hospital. Many of the doctors are opting for voluntary retirement and some others are moving to private hospitals. Neither the government nor the district administration has taken action against such doctors. The patients, on the other hand, are at the receiving end of poor treatment. In spite of being aware of such conditions, the government has preferred to turn a blind eye to them,” Sonnegowda added.

Sushma Srinivas, president of the Rani Abbakka Womens’ Forum, concurred that patients were denied proper treatment at the hospital. “They are often forced to turn to private hospitals for treatment, although they have to shell out a lot of funds for it,” she said, demanding that the district administration look into the matter and take appropriate action immediately.

“The hospital should also be provided better drinking water facilities, cleaner toilets, and even more hygienic premises. The State government should immediately appoint doctors and medical staff to look into the matter,” said Sushma Srinivas, warning of an intensified protest if the demands were not fulfilled.

Leaders of various organisations, including Prithvi, Mohan, B H Narasimhaiah, Manchanabale Srinivas, Gangaraju, Venkat, Agalagurki Srirama Reddy, Dambu Srinivas, B Ushakiran, Venkatalakshmamma, and others were present.