Angul: Patients and their attendants expressed concern over the laxity of security personnel deployed at Angul district headquarters hospital (DHH) who are often found sleeping during working hours.
The rise in number of anti-social activities including loot of valuables like ornaments, mobile phones have became a matter of concern. On the other hand, superstitious acts of sorcery to resurrect the dead have made the hospitals a ‘sorcery spot’.
Moreover, with the rise in the number of newborn babies missing from hospitals, patients and their relatives have become apprehensive about the safety at the hospital. They alleged security guards were not doing their duty properly, particularly at night.
A case in point is the condition of Angul DHH. Hundreds of patients turn up at the DHH on a daily basis for treatment.
Keeping in mind the security of the patients, the district administration has appointed security guards in every department. However, the guards seem to be least bothered about their duty.
“During daytime they manage their duty. But at night, they can be found snoring on benches and hospital corridors,” alleged the attendants.
“I woke up to attend nature’s call but found all the security guards were asleep. The one engaged at the CT scan ward was sleeping on a bench while another was dozing on his chair,” a patient alleged adding there was no guard at the female ward.
The guards posted in some wards including surgery department were conspicuous by their absence. Patients further alleged the security guards also don’t respond to their calls.
When contacted, hospital’s security officer in-charge, Trilochan Pradhan, said he was not aware of the negligence by the security guards. “Action would be taken against those who are found neglecting their duty,” he said.
PNN