MELAGHAR: Patients and their families visiting Melaghar Hospital are facing severe hardship due to a locked public toilet and a non-functional drinking water machine, both reportedly out of service for an extended period, sources said.
Hundreds of people arrive at the hospital daily from across Sonamura subdivision seeking treatment. However, the public toilet, constructed under Melaghar Municipality’s initiative, has allegedly remained locked for a long time, causing difficulties for patients and accompanying family members.
Similarly, a water ATM machine installed under the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide clean drinking water at a nominal fee has reportedly been non-operational for over two years. Sources said the machine has now gathered dust and is virtually unusable.
With both facilities considered basic hospital amenities, their prolonged dysfunction has reportedly caused growing resentment among patients and visitors.
Affected residents have demanded that the toilet be reopened and the water machine repaired without delay. It remains to be seen when the municipality and concerned authorities will act on the issue.