Chandigarh, January 3
One of the oldest buildings in the PGI is that of the Old Doctors Hostel. Occupied by more than 150 resident doctors, the place is in shambles and according to most of the residents, in a totally unliveable condition.
When we came here two years
ago, we were constantly under a fear that the ceiling might fall anytime. But now we have become used to the falling off the walls and the ceiling plaster”, says a resident.
The ceilings and walls are in a bad condition. Water has seeped through the walls and wide cracks have developed in the building.
Balconies are simply dangerous to stand in as balcony walls have cracked and at places cement has now given way to the bare iron bars,’’ say residents. The Building has not seen any maintenance in recent years except for the electrical wire overhauling which is still going on in the hostel. ‘‘This building has not been patched up or even painted as long as we remember. We have been complaining routinely about the problems we are facing, but no steps have been taken so far”, says a resident.
The corridors are in equally bad shape. Doors of rooms are in tatters. ‘‘There are large gaps between the ill-fitting doors and walls and one has no privacy at all,’’complains another resident.
Residents also expressed concern over the increasing number of thefts in the hostel. “Lack of security is another problem. We have to stay here for at least three years and sometimes up to six years so we buy televisions sets, coolers etc on our own, but since the doors are in a pathetic condition there is no security of our belongings.”
There is no safety of the doctor’s vehicles also as the basement parking has not been used for years. Every year there is water logging here after which it starts shrinking. One cannot pass by the place what to talk of parking vehicles there”, he says.
There is a big lawn in the hostel which used to have a badminton court but is not used anymore. There is a televisions room but not frequented much since most of the doctors have their own television in their rooms. The lawn also has arrangements for a small canteen in kiosks but these, too, are not put to use.
Doctors say that they don’t have an option available but to stay here and many would not live here if they had an alternative arrangement.
