The 125-year-old Cheluvamba Hospital is witnessing a welcome change with the installation of two automated laundry machines on the premises of Mysore Medical College and Research Institute.
The machines were installed at a cost of `20 lakh.
This system, which will do away with manual washing and its costs, will be functional after the election model code of conduct is lifted on May 16.
On an average, 40 deliveries take place on a day at Cheluvamba Hospital which has 410 beds, including 130 in paediatric wards and 280 in obstetrics and gynaecology wards.
The hospital also has specialised units providing neonatal intensive care, paediatric intensive care, paediatric surgery, nutrition rehabilitation and immunisation among other facilities. The hospital mainly caters to the poor.
The washing is done by five people hired by an outsourcing agent.
They usually take three days to wash and iron the clothes. In the rainy season they take more time to return the clothes.
A medical officer told Express that clothes given to washermen are sometimes returned damaged.
The automated laundry machines, which have a sluice machine to remove blood stains, can avoid damage to the clothes, he added.
Sources said CCTVs will be installed in Cheluvamba Hospital at a cost of `10 lakh.
A similar laundry system will also be installed at PKTB Hospital on KRS Road.