New Delhi:
In spite of the monsoons having arrived in Delhi, many parts of the city still face an acute water shortage. Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, a top government facility, in east Delhi, that sees 2000 patients every day in the OPD and at least a thousand patients admitted in the wards, has not had water supply for the past five days. Hospital authorities say, surgeries too have been hit, with none of the eight operation theatres (OTs) working to full capacity.
And that's not all, The central Sterile Supply department has been is almost dysfunctional due to the water paucity. Since there is very little water supply here, most medical equipment can't be sterilised, the hospital tells us. This is the centralized place where instruments are disinfected in boiling water.
And it has been a nightmare for the patients too. "We have been facing acute water crisis. I have problem in my spine due to which it is very difficult for me to walk. But I have to come all the way down from the third floor to fetch a bottle of water. I am alone in the hospital and it becomes very difficult for me to do that again and again," said Beena, a patient.
"The lift too doesn't work at times, then I have to climb the stairs which aggravates my pain. The water crisis has also led to hygiene issues in the hospital; the toilets are very dirty," Beena added.
The hospital authorities admit that there is shortage. "Two borewells do not fulfil our requirements. Delhi Jal Board has never been able to fulfil our requirements. I know there is a shortage therefore hospitals should get water on priority," said Medical Superintendent, Dr Rajpal Singh.
"So far, no emergency services have been affected, the surgeries too have not been postponed but if there is a further drop in supply, it may affect these services," he added.
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit when told about this said she was unaware but has promised to look into the matter.