Delhi hospital flouts hygiene norms

Health facilities are supposed to maintain impeccable standards of hygiene, but the naturopathy hospital in Sector 19, Rohini, does not adhere to the standards. As one enters the hospital compound, a large puddle of sewer water greets the visitors. The centre, which inculcates training in yoga and provides nature therapy to health enthusiasts, actually poses as a potential health hazard, especially at a time when the capital city is in the grip of chikungunya and dengue epidemic. Despite regulars at the centre having repeatedly pointed out to the authorities about the overflowing sewer, nothing has been done about it.

According to the patients visiting the hospital for treatment, the naturopathy hospital does not give a very welcome impression to a visitor because the moment one enters its premises, a huge puddle of sewer water coming out of a profusely leaking manhole greets them. “The flowing water is a serious health hazard, giving an open invitation to mosquito breeding and this is supposed to be a naturopathy hospital maintained by the civic body whose prime responsibility is to provide proper sanitation and cleanliness,” said a visitor.

The naturopathy hospital, spread over a 6,000 square metre plot, belongs to the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC). Regulars to the hospital claimed that during heavy rain in monsoon, one has to sail through knee-deep water.

“I have been coming to the centre since almost a month now. The problem, however, has not been cured. We have to actually jump over the flowing water to enter the main building,” said Vandana Singh, a visitor to the centre.

Another visitor to the hospital said that despite repeated request to the hospital administration, nothing has changed or been done. “Several times, many of us approached the hospital head but not a single step has been taken to improve the condition in the last few months which turns worse during heavy rains in July and August,” she said.