Anantnag, July 30, KNT: Gross neglect and lack of civic responsibility among hospital visitors have taken a toll on Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag, with attendants reportedly damaging public property, including essential items like wheelchairs, high-quality taps, and sanitary fittings inside the premises.
Sources within the hospital told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that many attendants accompanying patients treat public infrastructure with alarming disregard, often breaking wheelchairs, smashing washroom taps, and mishandling other donated items meant for patient welfare. The damage, officials say, is not isolated but frequent, reflecting a worrying pattern of insensitivity and apathy.
“It is unfortunate and disturbing to see how people treat hospital property. Most of the attendants lack even basic civic sense,” an official at GMC Anantnag, told the news agency Kashmir News Trust, requesting anonymity. “The other day, we were shocked to see that newly installed, high-grade taps in the washrooms had been destroyed within days. This isn’t just irresponsible, it’s shameful.”
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Hospital authorities acknowledged that the indifference of the public has also had a demoralizing effect on individuals who once came forward to support the institution by donating wheelchairs, seating benches, and washroom accessories. With no respect shown for these contributions, many donors have now stopped offering help, hurt by the poor condition of what they once gifted for the public good.
“We used to receive useful donations frequently, but those who donated are now heartbroken to see their contributions being damaged or stolen,” the official added.
Staff members noted that many attendants drag wheelchairs carelessly, leave them unattended in the open, or even misuse them as trolleys. Washrooms often bear the brunt of vandalism, with taps and fittings either broken or stolen, leaving patients to suffer due to these reckless acts.
Authorities at GMC Anantnag urged the public to behave responsibly and treat public property as their own. “This hospital belongs to the people. Its facilities serve the sick and the needy. If we continue damaging it, we are only harming ourselves,” the official stressed. [KNT]
