PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The administration of Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) hospital has decided to send a letter to the Dehradun senior superintendent of police and the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) urging strict action against street vendors who set up stalls or park their carts outside the hospital’s OPD building. This information was shared by the deputy medical superintendent Dr NS Bisht, during a discussion about the challenges faced by both hospital security personnel and patients entering the OPD for treatment.
Dr Bisht said that hospital administration has long recognised the difficulties patients encounter when attempting to enter the OPD due to street vendors, including fruit sellers, among others occupying space just outside the facility, resulting in traffic congestion. In addition to traffic issues, these vendors contribute to unsanitary conditions, leaving packing materials scattered outside the hospital building, which poses potential infection risks for patients.
He said that he has repeatedly advised them not to loiter just outside the hospital, as it obstructs access for patients. However, they have ignored his requests and continue to linger in front of the hospital.
Dr Bisht said that the situation has become unmanageable. Recently, about five patients approached him to voice their frustrations about the difficulties they encounter when trying to enter the hospital due to the obstruction caused by street vendors. Consequently, he instructed the security guards to remove the vendors from the area. Although the guard complied, the vendors refused to leave and even confronted the guards. In light of this incident, the security guard has presented this issue to the hospital administration. In response, the hospital administration has decided to send a letter to the SSP of Dehradun and the MCD commissioner, urging strict action to ensure their removal.
He stated that he would urge the SSP to assign police personnel outside the hospital during OPD hours to ensure that street vendors do not obstruct access. He also emphasised the importance of conducting police verification of those vendors, as many are not currently verified. Dr Bisht said that he would also request the MCD commissioner to take appropriate action against the vendors and work towards a permanent solution to this issue.
