The elevators at Kasturba hospital in Daryaganj that have been non-functional for more than a week now is causing a lot of trouble for patients. There are about 2,000 patients who visit the hospital daily and many have to climb stairs in the four-storeyed building.
Being primarily a maternity hospital, the problem is mostly faced by the would-be mothers who have to frequent the doctors regularly for consultation and also the mothers who after the delivery of their babies either face health-related problems or get their babies to the hospital to get treated.
Even though the labour room is situated at the ground floor, most of the other critical departments like pre and post natal departments and their intensive care units, operating theatres are located at the higher floors.
Often some elderly relatives accompany the patients and face trouble as the lifts have become non-functional.
Mentioning the problems faced, Reshma, who is an arthritis patient and whose daughter is admitted in the hospital said: “My daughter is suffering from post delivery complications. She is therefore weak and completely bedridden. Thus I have to do all the talking with doctors and look after my daughter. Climbing three floors regularly is a painful experience.”
Rukhsana, who has been a mother for two weeks highlighted: “My son has some infection for which I have to visit the first floor for consultation and medication. Even though I feel weak, I have no option but to climb up the stairs.” Acknowledging that the dysfunctional lifts are causing a major problem not only for patients and relatives but also for doctors, Medical Superintendent Dr Leela Pant said: “This is an administrative issue. We have already lodged a complaint at the MCD office and we have been assured that it will be rectified at the earliest.”