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Letters to the Editor

Improve toilet facilities in govt hospitals

Wednesday, 18 December 2024


The state of toilets in government hospitals is a matter of grave concern. Patients and their attendants often face deplorable conditions when using these facilities. The persistent foul smell, clogged flushes, and stagnant dirty water make access to these toilets an ordeal. Essential items like toilet tissue or soap are luxuries, leaving users to wonder whether they might leave the hospital with new ailments instead of cure.
Unsanitary public toilets are not just inconvenient; they pose serious health risks. Poorly maintained facilities, used by many people, become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and viruses. The floors of public toilets can harbour as many as two million bacteria per square inch. Even if users avoid touching surfaces, germs can still be carried on their shoes, increasing the risk of spreading infections.
This issue undermines the credibility of public hospitals, even those offering advanced medical services. Modern healthcare facilities should not be tainted by such preventable lapses. Improving toilet hygiene is not a trivial matter; it is essential to maintain public health and preserve the reputation of healthcare institutions.
Hospital authorities must prioritise the maintenance of toilets by ensuring regular cleaning, functional water taps, and the availability of basic hygiene supplies. By addressing this issue promptly, hospitals can offer patients and visitors a more dignified experience, showing that they care for the patients and their relatives and strive to ensure quality treatment.
Ashikujaman Syed
A business development manager
[email protected]