Cleanliness, hygiene goes for a toss at Balasore MCH

Balasore: Even as Odisha government is spending crores of rupees to provide good healthcare services to the people of the State, unhygienic conditions in Balasore Medical College and Hospital has now raised serious questions.

According to sources, allegations against staff of the hospital of not duly replacing the bed sheets used by patients have surfaced raising concerns over cleanliness and sanitation in the hospital.

Patients' attendants have alleged that they have no other option than to use the unchanged bed sheets despite the fact that there are provisions for regular replacement of the used bed sheets.

Attendant of a patient, Maheswar Senapati said “Our patient had to use the already-used bed sheets and it was torn and dirty. We protested about the incident and finally they changed it.”

Even senior BJP leader Pratap Sarangi who visited the hospital recently while accompanying a patient showed his utter displeasure over the matter.

"I inspected all the beds and the bed sheets in hospital and surprisingly found them tattered and unkempt. While one would generally stay away from even touching such dirty bed sheets, it was shocking to see them being used in hospitals,” said BJP leader, Pratap Sarangi.

The ADMO has also accepted the allegations after carrying out a probe into the incident as per the directives of the Chief District Medical Officer.

"As per provisions, bed sheets of different colours are supplied on a weekly basis for daily use which should be changed every day. But I have found that the norms have been violated. The in-charge has clarified that they could not replace the clothes due to immobility of some critical patients. I have asked the authorities for a report and will see what can be done,” said ADMO Ranjan Padhi.