Lifts out of order, patients left in the lurch

Three of the four lifts at Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College Hospital, Tanda, have been out of order for quite some time now, causing inconvenience to patients and attendants.

The institute that was established in 2007 needs new lifts and the process is getting delayed due to the lack of budget. Elderly, pregnant women, small children and those unable to walk are bearing the brunt of the non-functional lifts.

Funds awaited from state government

Patients, attendants forced to carry their belongings, besides food from canteen and medicines from dispensary,

by using ramps.

While lifts need immediate replacement, Tanda Medical College awaits funds from the State Government.

Established in 2007, the hospital caters to patients from six districts of Chamba, Mandi, Una, Hamirpur, Kullu and Kangra.

A notice announcing ‘Shut down for Maintenance’ has been pasted on the faulty lifts.

Munish Bhupal, Executive Engineer, PWD (electricity wing), entrusted with the job of fixing elevators, says a temporary relief is expected within 10 days.

Seeking anonymity, some doctors, along with the patients, approached The Tribune to get the issue highlighted. Dr Milap Sharma, principal of the medical college, is learnt have tried hard to get the mechanical snags fixed, but it has only provided a temporary relief.

Munish Bhupal, Executive Engineer, PWD (electricity wing), entrusted with the job of fixing elevators expressed a hope that a temporary relief would be come within next 10 days. But who would arrange for nearly Rs 2 crore needed to fix the issue permanently remains a pertinent question.

During a surgery when every second is precious for a patient’s life, a little delay could prove fatal, say insiders. A notice announcing ‘Shut down for Maintenance’ has been pasted on the faulty lifts. The patients are forced to carry their belongings, besides bringing food from canteen or medicines from dispensary by using ramps. Paramedical staff too have to push heavy equipment, including stretchers, required on daily basis through the ramps to reach up to the fourth floor.

While one lift has been out of order for almost a year, other lifts are non-functional for months.

Due to the malfunctioning of lifts in the premier health institution of the state patients coming from six districts of Chamba, Mandi, Una, Hamirpur, Kullu and the largest district Kangra are facing a problem, which needs immediate redressal.