Jamshedpur: Patients at the 500-bed MGM Hospital in Jamshedpur face a severe drinking water crisis, forcing them to consume water from toilets or venture outside the premises to find a supply.
Shravan Sav, an admitted patient, was spotted on Friday filling a bottle from the toilet. When questioned, he explained that the lack of drinking water facilities left him with no choice. “They don’t always allow patients to go outside, so I have to take water from the bathroom basin,” he said.
Loha Mahto, a resident of Gadra whose father is hospitalized, shared a similar struggle. He cannot leave his father’s side, so he relies on the bathroom taps for drinking water. Despite the gravity of the situation, Hospital Superintendent Dr. Balram Jha did not respond to repeated phone calls for comment.
Basic Amenities Missing in Multi-Crore Facility
Family members of patients expressed deep frustration over the lack of basic infrastructure in a facility worth crores of rupees. Shankar Pator, who was heading out to fetch water, confirmed the total absence of drinking water inside. Sonika, a resident of Sonari, highlighted the plight of lone patients. “Those without attendants are suffering the most. Even poor patients are forced to spend their limited money to buy bottled water from outside,” she said.
Security Concerns and Missing Patients
The crisis is compounded by strict security measures following recent incidents where patients went missing from the hospital. One patient, Lalan Kumar, was recently stopped by Home Guard personnel while trying to fetch water. “If a patient goes missing or an elderly person collapses while searching for water outside, who will be responsible?” a bystander questioned.
The hospital remains on high alert after two patients disappeared recently. One was found near the Sakchi Court, while the other—who was seen leaving the Emergency ward on the night of March 14—was found dead in the bushes on the hospital campus four days ago. In response, Home Guards have increased patrols and are restricting patients from leaving the building, inadvertently trapping them without access to clean water.
