Nagpur: Patients and their relatives at Govt Medical College and Hospital Nagpur are facing multiple hardships, with acute drinking water shortage, non-functional toilets, poor sanitation, and faulty medical equipment emerging as major concerns on the hospital premises.Visitors and attendants reported that several water coolers were not working, forcing patients to struggle for drinking water amid scorching summer heat. Wards and toilets remain unclean, while newly constructed toilets are yet to be made operational, adding to the inconvenience. Concerns have also been raised over the presence of anti-social elements, particularly at night, and the breakdown of key medical machines, which compels poor patients to spend ₹1,500-₹3,000 outside for tests and treatment.Led by Shiv Sena East Vidarbha head Pravin Lata Balmukund Sharma, the delegation raised these six major concerns on Saturday and demanded immediate repair and installation of water coolers, strict and regular cleanliness across hospital premises, enhanced security, especially at night, immediate opening of newly built Sulabh toilets, restricting ward access to one attendant per patient.Sharma stated that these issues directly affect poor and common patients and urged the govt to take urgent action and submit a compliance report for further follow-up.The issues were formally raised by the Shiv Sena Medical Assistance Cell, which submitted a memorandum to Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde and health minister Prakash Abitkar. During a video interaction from Mantralaya, a top officer directed GMCH officials to ensure that patients are not sent outside to purchase medicines, assuring availability within the hospital. He also instructed that any shortage of medicines or non-functional machinery be reported immediately for swift action.Authorities have indicated that arrangements for chilled drinking water will be made within two days, along with the opening of toilet facilities, and immediate steps have been ordered to improve sanitation. The delegation has sought urgent action on all issues and asked the govt to submit a compliance report, stating that the situation directly impacts poor and vulnerable patients.
