SMGS sans drinking water, patients suffer, administration silent

Tahir Mushtaq

JAMMU, April 17: In this coming summer season the patients of Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh (SMGS), Hospital has to take their water bottles with them while coming for their treatment in the hospital. 

Everyday about 1400 patients visit the hospital for treatment of various diseases in four departments functioning in the hospital including Gynae, Pediatrics, ENT and Dermatology.

There are only four water coolers, to provide drinking water facility, but only one is in working condition , due to which the patients has to face hardship in the hot days summer.

Sources disclosed that the remaining three water coolers are not working from the past long time, resulting in increasing the difficulties for patients. The only water cooler was installed in the newly adjoining building of Pediatrics department, and the concern administration forgets to maintain the old coolers.

It is pertinent to mention here that, SMGS Hospital is one of the main hospital cater treatment to the vast population of the Jammu province. People from far flung area of Jammu came to get treatment for various ailments.

On the condition of anonymity, one of the staff member said that the administration is not taking any interest to provide the basic facilities like safe drinking water and other required amenities to the patients coming from different part of the state.

Puneeta Devi a resident of Bishnah said that in the hot days we have to face difficulties as there are no such arrangements for drinking water.

She further said that in the night time the mosquitoes create problem, as the nearby area of hospital is full of foul smell and grass, where the mosquitoes breeds.

When contacted Medical Superintendent SMGS Dr Romesh Gupta said that as the summer season is in beginning the department will repair the water cooler within few days.

He further said that he will look into the matter as he rarely visit the hospital due to his busy schedule, so this issue was not in his knowledge.

“I will direct the concern section to clean the nearby area of the hospital to avoid further problem being faced by the patients.

“God knows better when the concern administration awake from the deep sleep and take some steps to overcome the problems being faced by the patients” said a source.