Surat : Safety Fears Escalate at New Civil Hospital Amid Crumbling Infrastructure

Surat : The New Civil Hospital (NCH) stands towering in the heart of Surat, near Majura Gate, as a major healthcare destination for tens of thousands of poor and middle-class people seeking free medical care. However, patients flocking to the hospital for free healthcare are always terrified that the edifice would collapse at any time.

The hallway leading to the labor room is especially frightening, with iron planks placed on both sides to support the collapsing roof and keep debris from falling on guests. These planks, meticulously positioned on both sides of the walkway, serve as a reminder of the hospital’s poor condition. Unfortunately, this is not a unique incident; other sections and wards at the NCH are also supported by such planks to prevent ceilings from falling.

Sanjay Ezhava, a social activist, visited the NCH on Thursday and was surprised by the building’s state. “The building structure of the NCH immediately requires a structural stability inspection by government-appointed experts due to the dilapidated state of its walls, parapets, ceilings, and more,” Ezhava reported. He pointed us to spots where iron rods were visible projecting from the parapets and concrete walls. “Every day, tens of hundreds of individuals visit the NCH. Any unforeseen event could claim numerous lives. The NCH management is in a deep sleep, and they do not have time to do rapid repairs to the deteriorating structure.”

Rameshwar Rai, a labor contractor whose wife is in the gynaecological ward, expressed concern. “I’m quite concerned about the ceiling leading to the labour room. My wife is pregnant and will be brought to the hospital in the next few days. The wooden planks support the ceiling. This is the situation in a public hospital. There is no value for people’s precious lives.

The fear of patients and their families is apparent. Brij Mohan, another patient’s relative, stated his concern: “It is quite frightening whenever I visit the hospital, especially during the monsoon season. The hospital authorities must make rapid repairs to the old facility to avoid fatalities in the case of a tragedy.

The New Civil Hospital in Surat, which should be a safe haven for those seeking medical care, has become a cause of terror for many. The hospital’s deteriorating conditions not only endanger the patients, but also destroy their faith and confidence. Immediate action is required to ensure the health and safety of patients, workers, and visitors.

Local governments and hospital administrators have yet to respond to the rising complaints. To avoid future calamities, the community is pushing for urgent structural assessments and repairs. The NCH’s stability is more than just a problem of infrastructure; it is also a critical public health issue.