BENGALURU: The state-run Vani Vilas Hospital, exclusively for maternal and paediatric care, that registers at least 60 cases every day for delivery, has stopped regular supply of hot water to patients for over 10 days now.
Puspa, a resident of Yelhanka, says her daughter admitted in the B ward has just given birth to a baby girl through Cesarean. However, she too, like all the new mothers here, are forced to use cold water.
“Hot water is necessary, especially for new mothers in the cold season. The babies also need hot water, but the patients are forced to get water from the canteen,” Pushpa said.
Rathnamma, whose daughter has been admitted to the hospital from November 25, said hygiene was not maintained in the bathroom and new mothers are not being given hot water.
“I have been going to canteen to get hot water in bottles and containers. We are deprived of good care,” she said.
Dr Geetha Shivamurthy, Professor Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Vani Vilas, spoke about the benefits of hot water to new mothers. “Hot water is a must to avoid infections. The body temperature of babies should also be maintained. A sponge bath is recommended for them every day or depending on the nature of the case,” she said. She said she was unaware of the non-availability of hot water in the hospital.
‘I am taking rest’
Medical Superintendent, Gandadhar Bewaladi, said he was busy with hospital work for a few days. When contacted about this complaint, he said, “I am taking rest. I will check about the complaints.”
Fears Grips New Mothers
Many young mothers say the recent reports about the series of maternal deaths at the hospital has left them in fear. “My daughter has been complaining of pain for the last 24 hours and the doctors say that we have to wait. After many young mothers died, we are scared,” said a patient’s mother.
Another patient’s relative said after this, they have moved their relative out of the hospital. “Since this is government hospital, the beds are occupied soon as there are many poor patients who cannot afford any treatment at private hospitals,” she said.
Good Counsel
After the maternal deaths, the hospital has intensified psychiatric counseling sessions to take young mothers and their families into confidence. Dr Chadrashekhar, HoD, Department of Psychiatry, Bengaluru Medical College and Research Institute, said, “Nearly 40 per cent of young mothers suffer from Postpartum depression. At present, the situation when a young mother hears about death of another person in same age or a little variation is that they they slip into depression and live in fear. Giving them counseling helps.”