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Rajouri, (cni): Following the visit of the Deputy Chief Minister to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Sunderbani on January 16, the Health Department has taken serious note of multiple deficiencies in hospital functioning and initiated immediate corrective measures, officials said.

As per news agency cni An Action Taken Report, a follow-up inspection of SDH Sunderbani was conducted on January 17 to review shortcomings highlighted during the visit. The inspection revealed serious lapses in sanitation, hospital upkeep, biomedical waste management, emergency services, security arrangements and after-hours service delivery, with the overall situation described as unsatisfactory.

Officials observed that garbage and junk were scattered from the main entrance gate across the hospital premises, creating unhygienic conditions and leaving a poor impression. The approach roads, open spaces and peripheral areas of the hospital were found neglected.

The inspection further revealed shabby upkeep of hospital sections, improper segregation and disposal of biomedical waste, and unorganised dumping of junk in several areas. Notably, unused material and junk were found in and around the Operation Theatre area, posing a serious risk to infection control and patient safety.

Emergency and casualty services were found to be unhygienic and inadequately staffed, particularly after 4:30 PM, affecting service delivery during evening and night hours. Patient wards were also found lacking proper cleanliness and linen management, compromising patient comfort and safety.

Officials also noted that essential diagnostic and support services such as X-ray, ultrasound, laboratory, OT support, referral services and enquiry assistance were not being ensured on a 24×7 basis, causing inconvenience to patients and attendants, especially during emergencies.

The inspection highlighted the absence of security personnel and entry regulation at key points despite funds having been sanctioned under NHM for security and housekeeping services. The emergency area was found lacking proper layout, privacy arrangements, enquiry facilities, biomedical waste segregation points and adequate security presence.

In response, immediate directions were issued for a comprehensive cleaning drive covering the main gate, approach roads, open areas, wards, emergency room and critical service areas. Orders were issued for removal and proper disposal of accumulated garbage and condemned material, including junk from the OT area, as per prescribed norms.

Strict enforcement of Biomedical Waste Management Rules was directed, with placement of colour-coded bins, segregation at source and weekly internal inspections. Instructions were also issued to strengthen OPD and emergency services beyond 4:30 PM by deploying adequate medical, nursing and support staff and ensuring round-the-clock availability of diagnostic and support services.

Ward-wise responsibility for cleanliness was fixed, bed linen management was reviewed, and surprise inspections were ordered to ensure compliance. Directions were also issued to immediately operationalise sanctioned security and housekeeping manpower.

Officials said all corrective measures have been ordered on a priority basis with zero tolerance for negligence. A detailed compliance report along with photographic evidence has been sought, and regular monitoring will be carried out to prevent recurrence of such lapses. Any further negligence, it was warned, will invite strict administrative action. Cni