Pics: Nithin Pereira

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)

Udupi, Jun 4: Several infrastructure and sanitation issues have come to light at the Koosamma Shambhu Shetty Memorial Haji Abdullah Government Mother & Child Hospital in Udupi, raising concerns among patients and visitors about the condition of the healthcare facility.

During a visit to the hospital, it was observed that the first floor was affected by water accumulation and waste, creating an unhygienic environment. Water from hand-wash areas was reportedly flowing into sections of the hospital premises, causing inconvenience and increasing the risk of contamination.

Prashant from Udyavar said, "This hospital lacks basic facilities. When we go for a scan, the staff sometimes tell us they are tired and ask us to get the scan done at another hospital. My wife recently delivered a baby and is admitted on the fifth floor, where there are many rats and mosquitoes. The parking area is waterlogged, creating unhygienic conditions. Earlier, a portion of the ceiling reportedly collapsed and injured a woman. Since this is a mother and child hospital, the presence of mosquitoes is a serious concern, as it could expose patients to diseases such as malaria and dengue. Most people who come here cannot afford treatment at private hospitals and depend on this facility for healthcare. The authorities should address these issues and improve the hospital's facilities for the benefit of patients and their families."

During the visit of MLA Yashpal Suvarna, temporary repair work was carried out on the ceiling. A patient's relative alleged that the first floor, which had earlier remained open, was closed ahead of the MLA's visit.

The building also showed signs of poor maintenance, with damaged and broken sections of the ceiling visible in some areas. Concerns were raised regarding inadequate ventilation and the lack of properly functioning lift facilities, which are essential for patients, pregnant women, children, and elderly visitors.

Stagnant water on the first floor has further become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, raising fears of mosquito-borne diseases and highlighting the need for immediate remedial measures.