Lady Hardinge Medical College clarifies after unsafe hostel conditions protest, doctors' body says 'accountability shift, not solution'
New Delhi: After medical students residing in the girls' hostel at Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) staged a protest over 'extremely distressing and unsafe living conditions,' the college administration issued a clarification stating that the concerns have been taken into consideration and necessary action has been initiated.
Medical Dialogues had reported that around 200 students protested against the deteriorating living condition at the hostel. The student's alleged that they 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 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.
They have demanded immediate action from the administration. Sources at the medical college informed Medical Dialogues that the authorities have sought 3 days from the students to address these issues.
Issuing a press note on April 22, 2026, the LHMC administration said it has reviewed the concerns raised by students regarding hostel facilities, including issues related to mess services, sanitation, stray dogs and demand for air-conditioning. The institute stated that multiple meetings were held with student representatives, hostel authorities and administrative officials before outlining the steps taken.
Regarding hostel hygiene and sanitation, the administration said that steps are being taken to optimize the deployment of available staff, regulate leave, and request additional manpower from higher authorities.
On mess facilities and food quality, the college clarified that the hostel mess is operated under a contractual arrangement managed by the Students’ Union itself and the administration is not involved in hiring or the day-to-day running of the mess.
It further pointed out that a key issue affecting the improvement of services is the existence of substantial pending dues from students (approximately Rs 30 lakhs) to the current mess vendor, which has delayed the transition to a new vendor and students with pending dues are being formally notified to clear payments; failing which, appropriate administrative action will be taken.
Addressing safety concerns related to stray dogs inside the hostel premises, the administration mentioned that multiple steps have been taken, including the deployment of security personnel, the installation of entry-control mechanisms, and coordination with NDMC and NGOs for dog population control. Along with this, additional measures, such as hiring dog-chaser personnel and conducting daily monitoring rounds, are being implemented.
It said that students have been advised strictly not to feed stray animals within the premises, as this contributes to the issue and student volunteers will help the dog chasers every day. The list will be provided by Students Union.
Regarding concerns over air-conditioning and cooling facilities, the college has stated that safety concerns, including past incidents of electrical overloading, are being carefully considered.
"At present, an air-conditioned Common Room is available for student use, and an additional facility is being planned in the New Academic Block. A proposal for a new hostel building with modern amenities, including air-conditioning, is under consideration at the MoHFW level," mentioned the press note.
The administration added that necessary proposals have been submitted to higher authorities and efforts are ongoing to address all concerns in a systematic and sustainable manner.
Calling the move an attempt to shift accountability rather than provide solutions, Health Activist and Chief Patron of FAIMA Doctors Association, Dr Rohan Krishnan told Medical Dialogues, "The LHMC press note is not a solution—it shifts accountability. Issues like hostel hygiene, stray dogs, and extreme heat have been repeatedly flagged, yet there’s no concrete action. Medical students are living in unsafe conditions in the national capital—this is unacceptable. We demand immediate sanitation measures, heat mitigation, and clear accountability with a defined timeline."
