BANGALORE: The Employees State Insurance (ESI) dispensary situated on the 4th Main Road at Viveknagar is riddled with numerous problems. Lack of maintenance, cluttered halls and locked rooms greeted us when we visited the dispensary earlier this week. To top it all, there was garbage strewn all over the pavement adjoining the building. The medical officer in charge Dr Kanchana Devi too expressed her concern over the unhygienic conditions prevalent on the roads and stressed further on the importance of taking suitable steps to mitigate these issues. She said, “Even though BBMP clears up the trash spilled on these pavements almost every day, the regular dumping of waste here poses a serious threat to hygiene. I would urge the concerned authorities to shift the garbage disposal site elsewhere.”Scavenging for mounds of garbage dumped in the streets; stray cows too have found their way here. Moreover, the never-ending piles of filth have become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. And, the troubles just don’t end here. Absence of basic fire safety requirement in the building raises several questions on safety. “We are not equipped with any fire safety equipment yet. However, in the last meeting with the directors, it was decided that necessary provisions shall be made. We are waiting for the tender to be passed, “ she added. Absence of fire-fighting mechanisms or escape arrangements can prove to be fatal under the right circumstances. Who can forget the fire disaster involving Columbia Asia Hospital (Hebbal near Bellary Road) almost two months ago? It seems the authorities are yet to learn from their mistakes. Affiliated to ESI Hospital, Indiranagar, this dispensary serves as a ‘primary line of treatment’ for patients. “Based on our preliminary diagnosis, we prescribe the right drugs or advise patients to seek treatment at a bigger hospital,” she said. With respect to water and electricity supply, the medical officer said that they were extremely satisfied and had no issues whatsoever.
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