HYDERABAD: Decks have been cleared for the construction of shelters for the benefit of poor patients and their attendants in as many as seven government hospitals in the city.
A few thousand poor patients along with attendants hailing from different parts of Telangana as well as Andhra Pradesh come to Hyderabad for medical treatment. The poor patients and attendants cannot afford to stay in lodges, hotels or hostels, forcing them to either sleep on footpaths or in open areas or lawns of hospital premises as there are no shelters.
Realising the difficulties faced by these poor patents, GHMC has come forward to construct spacious shelters at Osmania General Hospital, ENT Hospital, Koti, Maternity Hospital, Koti, NIMS, Niloufer Hospital, Maternity Hospital near City College, Petlaburz and Gandhi Hospital.
The Standing Committee of GHMC approved the proposal. Dhrumararu Consultant was assigned the task of preparation of estimates for early construction of these night shelters.
A few months ago, GHMC erected temporary shelters at Indo-American Cancer Hospital, Banjara Hills and other places and found that the attendants of the patients are using these shelters.
GHMC officials told Express that the shelters are being proposed as there is restricted entry in the government hospitals for the attendants. Their economic condition does not permit them to stay in hotels, they added. GHMC took notice and has decided to construct night shelters.