Lack of seating at Guru Nanak hospital leaves attendants and visitors floored

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 28

In absence of proper and sufficient seating arrangements at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital here, visitors are forced to squat on the floor itself. The floors are not only unhygienic but also reflect the government hospital’s attitude towards patients, who often complain of poor services.

Attendants of the patients can be seen sitting or squatting on the floor, with no other option available. This situation is particularly dire in the gynaecology operation theatres at Bebe Nanaki Mother and Child Care Centre where relatives are left to wait for hours without any seating arrangement.

“It’s disheartening to see people squatting on the floor, especially in a hospital where patients are already vulnerable,” said a staff member, requesting anonymity. He added that the administration needs to take immediate action to address the issue.

Patients and their families have been complaining about the services at the hospital for a long time, citing inadequate infrastructure, long wait time, and a lack of empathy from the staff. The absence of basic amenities such as seating arrangements has worsened the situation.

“We come here seeking treatment and care but the hospital seems to be neglecting our basic needs,” said a patient’s attendant. It’s unacceptable that we have to sit on the floor, surrounded by dirt and germs, he added.

The hospital administration stated that seating arrangements have been made at various areas. They stated that sometimes problems arise as most patients are accompanied by more than one attendant.

This incident highlights the need for urgent reforms in the hospital’s infrastructure and patient care services. Until then, patients and their attendants will continue to face such challenges, raising questions about the hospital’s commitment to providing quality healthcare.

Urgent reforms needed

This incident highlights the need for urgent reforms in the hospital's infrastructure and patient care services. Until then, patients and their attendants will continue to face such challenges, raising questions about the hospital's commitment to providing quality healthcare.