Protest at Niloufer Hospital over bed shortage, poor sanitation and alleged irregularities

Hyderabad: A three-day survey conducted by the Progressive Youth League (PYL) and the Progressive Organisation of Women (POW) has raised serious concerns at Niloufer Hospital, including a shortage of beds for pregnant women, unhygienic toilets, inadequate facilities for patient attendants and alleged irregularities in staff appointments and medicine supply. 

The organisations subsequently staged a protest outside the government-run hospital and submitted a memorandum to the superintendent, seeking an inquiry and immediate action on the issues identified during the survey.

The organisations said the survey, conducted on October 27, 28 and 29, documented several difficulties faced by patients and their attendants.

A major concern was the shortage of beds for pregnant women. According to the organisations, expectant mothers were left waiting for hours on plastic chairs, while two or three patients shared a single bed in some cases.

According to a report by Telangana Today, grieving and exhausted patient attendants are left stranded in the open air without drinking water and restrooms, while two entire floors of a newly built three-story rest house remain non-functional, they said. Overflowing, unhygienic toilets in both the old and new blocks are choking the corridors with foul odors, turning the hospital into a breeding ground for hospital-acquired infections, POW members said.

Patients were allegedly being directed to private laboratories for diagnostic tests not available at the hospital and charged arbitrary amounts. The organisations claimed to possess evidence of irregularities and sought action. They also demanded an inquiry into the availability and pricing of medicines at the Amrit Medical outlet, alleging that not all prescribed medicines were stocked and questioning claims of lower prices, Deccan Chronicle reported. 

Financial and administrative concerns were also included in the memorandum. The groups sought an investigation into alleged irregularities in outsourced staff appointments and fund utilisation, claiming that records showed 675 employees against 250 sanctioned posts and that fabricated bills had been used to withdraw funds.

Other issues raised included inadequate parking, vacant staff positions and problems with facilities for patient attendants. The organisations urged hospital authorities to examine the complaints and take action on the findings.

The protest followed two earlier attempts by the groups to meet the hospital superintendent, which they said had not resulted in an appointment.