Dhanbad: Leaking ceilings, waterlogged wards and pothole-ridden access roads at Shahid Nirmal Mahato Medical College and Hospital (SNMMCH), Dhanbad’s largest govt hospital, have sparked concern among patients and attendants during monsoon.Patients and their families said they were being forced to use umbrellas inside the hospital to protect themselves from water dripping from ceilings. Water has also accumulated on floors in several areas, making movement difficult and increasing the risk of slips, falls and infections.The gynaecology ward is among the worst affected. Pregnant women, mothers and newborns, who require clean and hygienic surroundings, are being forced to cope with seepage and stagnant water. Doctors’ chambers have also been affected.“Poor patients come here because they cannot afford treatment at private hospitals. The hospital’s condition only increases their difficulties and the risk of infection,” said Rupali Karmkar, a Sindri resident.Attendant Kunti Devi said patients and their families had to sit indoors with umbrellas. “Water has accumulated on the floor, making it difficult to walk. Even our shoes and slippers get wet,” she said.SNMMCH superintendent Dr Dinesh Kumar Gindoriya said some sections of the hospital were in low-lying and underground areas, leading to seepage during the rainy season. He said the department had been informed and repairs would begin soon.Gindoriya blamed the buildings division for delays in repairing the damaged road and main gate.Buildings division executive engineer Chandan Kumar said the gate work had been completed in phases to ensure uninterrupted access for patients and ambulances. Technical issues also caused delays, he said, adding that the gate would be fully opened within two to three days.Anger intensified after a patient’s attendant reportedly fell near the gate on Monday evening and fractured a hand. Patients have demanded urgent repairs and safer, cleaner hospital conditions.
