Even as Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) undergoes a major infrastructure upgrade, patients and attendants in Guwahati continue to raise concerns over poor hygiene and maintenance inside the hospital premises.
The concerns come despite recent developments, including the inauguration of a new Mother and Child Hospital earlier this year.
Despite major infrastructure upgrades at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, including a new Mother and Child Hospital, patients in Guwahati report ongoing issues with hygiene and maintenance. Concerns include unclean wards, gutka stains, and inadequate upkeep, even as patient footfall remains high.
New Facilities Inaugurated, Expectations Rise
On February 1, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the newly built Mother and Child Hospital within the GMCH campus.
The facility includes:
- 832 beds
- Advanced maternity services
- A 152-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
The project is part of a larger ₹3,300 crore transformation plan, aimed at improving healthcare delivery and reducing maternal and infant mortality in Assam.
Ground Reality Raises Questions
Despite these developments, many patients and attendants say basic cleanliness remains a significant issue within the hospital.
Common concerns reported include:
- Gutka stains on the walls
- Broken or poorly maintained furniture
- Irregular cleaning in wards and corridors
- Unclean hospital beds in some areas
These issues are being highlighted even as GMCH continues to serve as the largest referral hospital in Assam.
Voices from Inside GMCH
A 27-year-old attendant in Guwahati, whose family members are currently undergoing treatment at GMCH, described the situation as challenging.
She stated that while medical care and doctors are reliable, the lack of cleanliness affects patient comfort and overall experience.
Another patient visiting the emergency block also pointed out concerns about sanitation around the building, indicating that the issue is not limited to a single section.
High Patient Load Adds Pressure
Established in 1960, GMCH handles a massive daily footfall, catering not only to Guwahati but also to patients from across Assam and neighbouring states.
The high volume of patients often puts pressure on infrastructure and maintenance systems, making consistent upkeep a challenge.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
For residents of Guwahati, GMCH remains a critical healthcare institution.
While infrastructure upgrades are underway, the gap between development and maintenance raises concerns about:
- Patient safety and hygiene
- Overall hospital experience
- Sustainability of healthcare improvements
Addressing these issues is essential to ensure that new facilities deliver their intended impact.
What Happens Next
With expansion work ongoing, attention is now likely to shift towards improving maintenance and sanitation systems within the hospital.
Patients and attendants in Guwahati are expecting stricter monitoring and regular upkeep to match the scale of recent investments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What new facilities have been added to GMCH?
The newly inaugurated Mother and Child Hospital includes 832 beds, advanced maternity services, and a 152-bed NICU.
2. What issues are patients facing at GMCH?
Patients have reported concerns such as poor hygiene, irregular cleaning, broken furniture, and unclean beds within the hospital premises.