Hyderabad: Constant complaints of poor hygiene and bad sanitary conditions at New Government Maternity Hospital near the High Court prompted deputy chief minister Dr T. Rajaiah to make a surprise visit on Sunday afternoon.
Dr Rajaiah, who is also health minister, was upset with the condition of the hospital and called all the heads of the health department for a meeting. The appalling conditions with dirty toilets and soiled mattresses left Dr Rajaiah aghast.
He demanded that the administration address these issues. A senior doctor said, “The condition of mattresses and beds is bad and it can spread infections. There is a constant flow of pregnant mothers in the hospital. It is essential that mattresses are changed and replaced frequently. Hygiene levels must be maintained.”
The hospital has 450 beds but at any given time it has 600 women. There are no proper toilets for the relatives of the patients, and most of them head for the Musi river nearby to relieve themselves. This has led to security issues and also compromised the safety of patients, especially those with newborns.
Dr Rajaiah has asked the health and medical infrastructure department to look into the sanitation and ensure that the contractor abides by standards.
