Garbage menace outside Chhota Sion hospital sparks hygiene concern

The gates of the hospital are littered with trash

Authorities at Loknete Eknath Gaikwad Hospital, commonly known as Chhota Sion hospital, have expressed frustration over the persistent issue of garbage dumping at the hospital's entrance, blaming a lack of civic sense among citizens. "Despite maintaining cleanliness within the premises, the hospital continues to grapple with unhygienic conditions just outside our gates," said Dr Pallavi Shelke, medical superintendent.

Located on 60 Feet Road of Dharavi, the hospital entryway often sees passersby throwing litter or even human waste. Dr Shelke said that while BMC officials do help get the place cleaned up, the problem is never-ending. "It's not just about our gate that we are fed up of cleaning. There have been instances where slum dwellers who live behind the hospital premises have thrown plastic bags filled with human poop," said Shelke.

This has also led to rodent issues within the hospital premises. "We have shut all the pipes and other sources from where rats can enter. We are doing our bit. But if overall hygiene outside the premises is not maintained, it's an open invitation to these rats. There are equipment worth lakhs inside the hospital. Maintaining them becomes difficult when there are rats roaming around, biting wires," said a hospital staffer.