People are going to major government hospitals for treatment,not for fighting footpaths,traffic,waterlogging and unsafe crossings before even reaching doctor .
Every day,so many patients and attendants come to these hospitals for medical care . But as The Hindu found in recent investigation,the area outside these hospitals itself is creating problems. Obstructed footpaths,unsafe pedestrian crossings,blocked access… all this is not small thing ah,especially when elderly people and sick patients are involved.
At Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research on Bannerghatta Road,there is pedestrian signal nearby . Still,many patients are crossing from unmarked spots because movement around hospital seems badly managed. Savitha Prasad,a visitor,said authorities should install railings so pedestrians are guided toward safer crossing points .
And honestly,this is where things get uncomfortable . If hospital area cannot even give safe walking space to patients,then what are people supposed to do? Street vendors occupying large parts of footpath means pedestrians are pushed onto road,and for elderly people this becomes risky very fast .
Few things standing out clearly in this situation:
- Encroached footpaths are forcing pedestrians onto busy roads.
- Clogged drains are causing stagnant water at hospital entrances.
- Anti-social elements near bus shelters are making commuters feel unsafe.
At Victoria Hospital,another problem is flooding at one entrance,especially during monsoon season . C.C. Thimmappa,a security guard,said silt accumulation in drains leads to constant water stagnation. Now imagine patient in wheelchair trying to enter hospital through that mess .
Traffic management around Victoria Hospital may look relatively organized,but safety near bus shelters is still concern . If anti-social elements are gathering there,then attendants and patients waiting for transport are again left feeling unsafe.
At Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital,patients said external connectivity is satisfactory . But inside premises,shortage of wheelchairs and stretchers is creating another kind of struggle. Mahesh B.,a caretaker,said getting wheelchair can be difficult during peak hours when demand is high .
And tbh,this whole thing shows how hospital access is not just about doctors and buildings . It is also about footpaths,drains,bus stops,wheelchairs and basic dignity for patients arriving in pain. If reaching hospital itself becomes stressful,then where exactly does care begin…
