A video circulating on social media has raised concerns over patient safety at Mumbai's King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital, as a reportedly non-functional lift in the orthopaedic department leaves patients and staff struggling to use staircases. Shiv Sena leader Amey Ghole has criticized the hospital administration for the delay in repairing the lift, citing the difficulties faced by patients with limited mobility. In one video, an injured patient with a plastered leg is seen carefully climbing stairs, raising fears of falls or further injury. Another video shows hospital staff carrying an elderly woman in a wheelchair up a staircase near the psychiatry department, while yet another shows an injured man with a leg cast sitting exhausted on the hospital staircase. Ghole has demanded immediate repairs to all non-functional lifts, public disclosure of how long they have been out of service, a high-level inquiry into maintenance issues, and strict action against those responsible for the delay. The Shiv Sena leader has questioned why the maintenance tender was issued only on November 6, and called the situation unacceptable for ordinary citizens and economically weaker sections seeking treatment at the public hospital.
SECOND PARAGRAPH:
Ghole's demands also include a comprehensive report detailing how long the lifts have been out of service, an investigation into maintenance contractors, engineers, and officials responsible for lift maintenance, and disciplinary action against those found negligent. The Shiv Sena leader has highlighted that KEM Hospital is one of Mumbai's major public healthcare institutions, catering to patients from across the city and surrounding regions. The concerns raised by Ghole have brought focus back on the maintenance of essential infrastructure at public hospitals, particularly facilities required by patients with limited mobility. The hospital administration has not yet responded to the allegations. Its clarification on the status of the lifts and the timeline for repairs is awaited.
THIRD PARAGRAPH:
The incident has come under scrutiny as it highlights the challenges faced by patients with disabilities in accessing essential medical facilities. The broken lift at KEM Hospital underscores the need for regular maintenance and upkeep of infrastructure to ensure patient safety and comfort. The hospital administration's response will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for similar issues in other public healthcare institutions across the city. In the meantime, patients with limited mobility are left to navigate the challenges presented by non-functional lifts, adding to their stress and discomfort during what is already a difficult time.