Foul smell, drain overflow trouble patients at GMC Anantnag

Anantnag, May 20: Overflowing drainage, persistent foul smell, and poor sanitation conditions have raised concern at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag, with patients and attendants complaining of growing discomfort on the hospital premises, particularly around the pediatric block.
Attendants and patients said the hospital environment has become increasingly difficult due to drainage overflow and the resulting stench, creating unease for those admitted in wards and their caregivers.
For many patients and attendants arriving at the hospital, seeking treatment and relief, an overpowering foul smell and overflowing drainage have become an unwelcome part of the hospital experience.
The pediatric block has emerged as the worst-affected area, where attendants described the smell as overpowering and difficult to endure.
Visitors and attendants said the situation raises concerns about sanitation and hygiene at a major tertiary care institution, with some remarking that parts of the medical college appear to be surrounded more by foul conditions than by a healthy hospital atmosphere.
Officials acknowledged the problem.
Principal GMC Anantnag, Dr. Rukhsana Najeeb, admitted that drainage and foul smell issues persist at the institution.
She said that the matter has already been taken up with the administration and the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department.
“Administration and the R&B Department have been apprised about the problem and we have been assured that a solution will be worked out in the near future,” Dr. Najeeb said.
An official from the R&B Department said the drainage issue requires a structural intervention and that authorities presently see no long-term solution except installation of a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).
“There is no permanent way out except establishment of an STP plant. Work on the project may begin during June or July this year,” the official said.
The issue assumes significance as GMC Anantnag caters to a large patient population from South Kashmir and surrounding districts, making sanitation and environmental conditions critical to patient care and hospital functioning.
Patients and attendants urged authorities to take immediate interim measures until a permanent drainage solution is established. [KNT]