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Every day, thousands of patients and their attendants visit Bengaluru’s major government-run hospitals seeking medical care. However, many of them are forced to navigate a host of pedestrian, traffic and civic challenges before they can access healthcare facilities.
A visit by The Hindu to several prominent government hospitals in the city found recurring issues ranging from encroached footpaths and unsafe pedestrian movement to flooding and inadequate patient-support facilities.
At the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research (SJICR) on Bannerghatta Road, despite the presence of a pedestrian signal barely 50 metres away from the entrance, many patients and attendants continue to cross the busy Bannerghatta Road at unmarked locations, exposing themselves to fast-moving traffic.
Savitha Prasad, who accompanied a relative to the hospital, said that the authorities should improve pedestrian access. “Many patients find it difficult to walk to the designated crossing point. The authorities can consider installing railings to channel pedestrians towards the signalised crossing and improve signage so that people use the safer route,” she said.
Added to this, street vendors have occupied significant portions of the footpath near the hospital entrance, forcing pedestrians to walk on the carriageway. The situation is particularly problematic near the hospital bus stop, where a few vendors have set up stalls adjacent to the shelter used by hundreds of commuters and hospital visitors every day. “The footpath is meant for pedestrians, but we are often forced to walk on the road because vendors occupy most of the space. Since many people visiting the hospital are elderly or have health issues, this becomes risky, especially during peak traffic hours,” said Mohan P. Kumar, a commuter who frequently visits the hospital.
Clogged drains
At Victoria Hospital, flooding at one of the entrance gates continues to pose difficulties, particularly during the monsoon. C.C. Thimmappa, a security guard at the hospital, attributed the problem to clogged drains.
“Due to silt stuck in the railings as well as the drain close to the gate, water always stagnates in this spot instead of flowing away. Even if patients come on wheelchairs, it is difficult to pass through. As hospital staff, we clean the silt stuck at the entrance and clear the water. During constant rains, it becomes difficult,” he said.
Unlike several other busy areas in the city, traffic management around Victoria Hospital appeared relatively streamlined, with adequate deployment of traffic police personnel near the K.R. Market Circle and surrounding junctions.
However, concerns remain over the safety of the bus shelter located near the hospital. Though the shelter itself has been renovated and is maintained reasonably well, pedestrians alleged that drunkards and anti-social elements frequently occupy the area, making it unsafe, particularly during late evening hours.
Abhishek J., an employee at a medical shop near the hospital, recounted a personal experience. “I travel by bus regularly, but once while waiting at the bus stop late at night, two drunk men tried to snatch my phone. They fled as soon as police personnel arrived. The place has become unsafe, especially for women travelling alone,” he said.
Mr. Abhishek said repeated complaints had resulted in a police constable being deployed at the location for a brief period. “A constable used to be stationed here for a few hours every day. However, due to workload, the arrangement stopped after about two months,” he added.
At Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, patients and caregivers said external connectivity was generally satisfactory, with frequent bus services, autorickshaws and motorable roads ensuring relatively easy access to the facility.
However, they pointed to shortages of wheelchairs and stretchers within the hospital premises. Mahesh B., a caretaker, said attendants often struggle to secure wheelchairs when needed.
“There have been several occasions when I had to wait for a wheelchair or make alternative arrangements because none were readily available. The problem becomes more difficult during rainy weather, especially when patients arrive in autorickshaws or cabs and need immediate assistance,” he said.
Narrow footpath
Meanwhile, at K.C. General Hospital road crossing was not identified as a major concern by visitors. However, the narrow footpath adjoining the hospital has emerged as a challenge.
With a busy police station located on one side and a bus stop on the other, the stretch witnesses heavy pedestrian movement throughout the day. Visitors said that the limited walking space often results in crowding and inconvenience, particularly during peak hours.
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