Rawal gave a wide yawn and stared at a clock on the wall and hoped it struck five so that he could leave for home as early as possible. Since the last few days, barely 10 patients have been visiting the hospital seeking treatment.
"There are plenty of beds available but locals have stopped coming here for treatment. There was a time when we used to admit at least hundred patients a day," said Rawal. "Why would locals come here and risk their lives? The hospital is crumbling and the required medicines are hardly available," he added.It is not difficult to assess the hospital's deteriorating condition. Even a quick glance will reveal its withered walls and pillars. Looking at its faded and crumbling, it is hard to imagine that the building is a hospital.
The hospital began to fall apart since three years ago. The walls have grown weak and during monsoon water accumulates on the hospital floor.
"It's not only poor physical condition of the building but we also lack sufficient equipment. No wonder, people think twice before coming for any medical treatment here," said Dr Thakur Prasad Dawadi.
With an aim to provide ayurdevic treatment to the locals, government had established the hospital in Bijauri area of Dang in 1993.
"In the past, a large number of patients used to visit the hospital. We even had to make them sit on the floor. But the situation has changed," said Dawadi.
The hospital even lacks enough medical staff. There are only two doctors, four heath assistants and two nurses.
"For a large hospital like this, the number of staff we have is not enough at all. Government should take steps to improve the condition of the hospital," suggested Dawadi.
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