Leaking roofs,bedbugs at govt-funded sarais

Patients complain the bed sheets and blankets provided are very dirty. The quilts and mattresses are unfit for use too. The hygiene conditions are so bad,one can hardly rest because of the begbugs and mosquito bites.

A patient,who is from Himachal and came to PGIMER after he met with a road accident,showing stitches on his forehead,said,“I came to the hospital about 15 days ago and am staying at the Rotary sarai as I can not afford to stay outside. The condition of the sarai is pathetic. It is not at all maintained.”

“I have not been able to sleep properly because of the bug bites. It seems like it has been ages that the authorities have white washed the building,” he added.

Fourteen years old,Ramesh (name changed) is from Haryana and came to PGI for the treatment of his father. He said,“the behaviour of the people in management is very rude. They talk harshly and look down upon us. I do not feel like staying here,but have no other option.”

The food quality at the sarai is no good either. Describing the quality of food,Ramesh said,“The food is so bad that one can not have a single bite. Rotis are so hard you cannot even chew them,and there is only water in the name of dal.”

A 70-year-old cancer patient said,“I stayed here for one night. There are so many bed-bugs that one cannot sleep at night.”

On being asked,PGI spokesperson Manju Wadwalkar said,“The maintenance of the the Rotary sarai has been undertaken by the NGO Lifeline. They look after the maintenance.”