Women’s surgical ward at Civil hospital has no toilet
Washroom locked for months now; patients using toilet in male ward
Shillong, Aug 27: The toilet in the women’s surgical ward at Civil Hospital Shillong has been non-functional for months now making it inconvenient for patients, especially the elderly.
According to an elderly patient, who was admitted in the ward a week ago, the toilet (in picture)has remained locked for more than a year.
“I asked other patients who came here before me. They said the washroom has been locked for a long time. One of my relatives was also admitted here last year. She too had complained about the inconvenience,” said the patient.
Patients from the women’s surgical ward have to walk to the male ward to use the toilet. A male patient said with one toilet and so many patients, it really becomes difficult. “On top of that, there is no light in the toilet for a week now,” he added.
When asked, a nurse on duty in the female ward said the toilet has been locked for a month now because the commode got clogged.
“Many patients put used sanitary napkins, clothes and at times potatoes down the toilet. This has led to the clogging. We are fixing it now, ” she said.
When it was pointed out that patients are finding it difficult to walk to the male washroom, she said, “We cannot do anything. Everyone has to adjust. If you want to complain, please go to the Surgeon Superintendent. She will be in office tomorrow from 10am.”
Last month, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma held a review meeting with Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, who had also visited the civil hospital, and officials to discuss ways to bolster infrastructure and healthcare accessibility. Sangma later told the media that the government’s initiatives would revolutionise healthcare system in the state.
