Washrooms in wards 2, 6 and 9 of Kottayam MCH pose danger to patients, caregivers

Kottayam: The washrooms attached to wards 2, 6 and 9 of Government Medical College, Kottayam are posing a threat of collapse, frightening patients and caregivers. The bricks on the lower side of the wall are exposed after the plastering fell off. Meanwhile, the authorities closed the washrooms a month ago after installing a board which announced that urgent repairs were being carried out.

There have been allegations that the three-storey washroom building, which has a semicircular shape, was constructed in violation of norms. Incidentally, the authorities are currently carrying out beautification works in the interior by making some repairs. However, patients and their bystanders are perplexed over the need to beautify a dilapidated structure. According to experts, the building should be completely demolished and a new one constructed.

Wards 2, 6 and 9 function in the ‘C’ block of the first three buildings constructed for the medical college. The washrooms are attached to the C-building. Presently, the plastering of the washroom building has been soaked with water. The walls and floors have been pierced on several occasions during repairs on plumbing, and the lack of proper closure of these holes has led to seepage, said the experts.

With the washrooms in wards 2, 6 and 9 shut, patients admitted there and their caregivers are forced to utilise washrooms in other wards. “It is very difficult to take sick people to other wards for using the washroom and bring them back. We need an immediate solution to this issue,” said a bystander.