Insects in food, No ACs, waterlogging! Lady Hardinge Medical College students protest over hostel conditions

New Delhi: Around 200 medical students residing in the girls' hostel at Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) are protesting against the 'extremely distressing and unsafe living conditions'.

Highlighting repeatedly ignored issues, including the absence of an air conditioner, unhygienic mess food, unsafe drinking water, and filthy washrooms, stray dog menace etc., the students at the medical college have demanded immediate action.

The students are demanding permission to install air conditioners at their own cost. They have also demanded an immediate improvement in mess hygiene, clean drinking water, and functional coolers, proper sanitation and washroom maintenance, and action against stray dog threats.

Sources at the medical college have informed Medical Dialogues that the authorities have sought 3 days from the students to address these issues.

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No Action Despite Repeated Efforts:

It has been alleged that the students are living in extreme heat, as installing air conditioners is not allowed. While the students have been demanding permission to install ACs at their own cost, the authorities are denying this request, citing 'old wiring'. However, the students have pointed out that ACs exist in the warden's room and other old hostels.

Another troubling issue for the students is unhygienic mess food. They have claimed that insects have been found in their food. According to the students, even though the mess is compulsory, the food at the mess is of poor hygiene. Even the coolers at the hostel are non-functional or they provide contaminated water.

The washrooms are filthy, claimed the students, adding that poor sanitation is leading to frequent infections among students. Further, the students have highlighted the stray dog menace, including the dog bite incidents and unsafe surroundings, especially at night.

"This is not just about discomfort — this is about health, dignity, and safety of medical students. We are future doctors, yet we are being forced to live in conditions that are harmful to both our physical and mental well-being," said the students.

Health Activist and the Chief Patron of FAIMA Doctors Association, Dr. Rohan Krishnan, highlighted the issue on X (formerly Twitter), and mentioned, "Before studying for 14 hrs a day to get a seat in good medical college in India , my dear students, look how the brightest minds and LHMC doctors are served by the government. I am deeply disturbed by the conditions faced by students at LHMC, Delhi. Food contaminated with insects/larvae !! Severe hygiene failure & waterlogging in hostels !!! Unsafe environment with stray animals !!!! This is not acceptable for any institution—let alone one of India’s premier medical colleges. Medical students deserve dignity, safety, and basic living conditions. Urgent action is needed."

Speaking to Medical Dialogues, Dr. Krishnan said, "As a doctor and concerned citizen, I want to state this clearly—what is happening in LHMC hostels is unacceptable and a serious public health concern. The conditions shown are not just about inconvenience. They include contaminated food, poor sanitation, waterlogging, and unsafe living environments. Medical students, who are being trained to serve the nation, are being forced to live in conditions that compromise their own health and dignity. This reflects systemic administrative negligence."

"I urge immediate intervention by concerned authorities to ensure safe and hygienic food. clean and secure hostel premises, and accountability of those responsible. This is not a privilege; this is a basic right. Students deserve dignity. Students deserve safety," Dr. Krishnan added.

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