Water scarcity in toilets triggers anxiety about infection risk at Kilpauk hospital

Chennai: Patients and attendants at Govt Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital are being forced to endure unsanitary conditions, as washrooms in the hospital's new tower block frequently run dry for hours. With no regular water supply, patients and caregivers have no option but to share poorly maintained toilets, risking infections. Despite repeated complaints, attendants said water is restored only briefly before the taps run dry again, leaving hundreds struggling for access to a basic necessity.The six-storey new tower block, built to accommodate the hospital's increased patient load, houses several key departments, including inpatient wards, specialty treatment centres and labour wards. However, the persistent water shortage in its washrooms has severely impacted its functioning, with visitors questioning why a facility was opened to treat patients without essential amenities in place."It has been over a week since my father was admitted to the hospital. Though we have had no issues with the treatment, there is insufficient water supply in the toilets. We have been forced to use the toilets meant for patients," said V Devi Aruna, an attendant. "My father is already unwell, and the unhygienic conditions caused by the water shortage have only increased the risk of infection," she added.When attendants raised complaints with the staff, they were told that the water tanks lacked adequate capacity, resulting in the shortage. They alleged that hospital authorities made no alternative arrangements to ensure a steady water supply to the washrooms. "We have avoided using the hospital washrooms. Instead, we have been using the facilities at the nearby metro station or in the older blocks, where water supply is more reliable. However, those washrooms are not maintained well either," said M Sarika, another attendant.Even the staff responsible for cleaning the toilets said they have been doing their best to maintain hygiene but are helpless as long as the water shortage persists.When contacted, KMC dean Dr M Kavitha said: "The water shortage is due to ongoing construction works. We have arranged for temporary water supply through tanker lorries, and the pipeline supply will be streamlined within a day or two."
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