Caught in danger zones

Caught in danger zones

Patients vulnerable as traffic jams block entry to hospitals

Shwetha S. Bangalore

Faulty traffic signals and ill-planned bus stops near hospital gates are giving a hard time to pedestrians, visitors, patients, and hospital authorities.
Lives of patients are at risk as ambulances often get stuck in city's traffic jams, especially at hospital zones.
Victoria Hospital located near KR Market on Kalasiplaya Main Road is one such case.
Dr Kantaraj, RMO of the hospital, said, "We are facing a problem as the bus stand is located next to the hospital. All buses halt in front of the hospital gate. This is blocking the movement of emergency vehicles, patients and visitors. We had complained to the government and the police but nothing has been done."
A security guard of the hospital said, "Traffic congestion is a daily feature here as the hospital is located near the market. There are no traffic signals near the hospital. Hence, visitors and patients find it difficult to cross the road.
Sometimes, buses block the entrance to the hospital."
At Wockhardt Hospital located on Cunningham Road in Vasant Nagar, the situation is no different.
Radhakrishna, a security guard said, "This has become a busy road especially after Sigma Mall came. We have a signal in front of the hospital, but it is not working for the last two months. Hence vehicles keep moving making it difficult for visitors to cross the road.
"Every hour, some emergency vehicle keeps coming in and it's difficult for us to clear the traffic. We informed traffic constables but they are busy collecting fines."
St Martha's Hospital, located on Nrupathunga Road, faces traffic snarls throughout the day as the road links Hudson Circle and KR Circle.
James Sequeria , assistant administrator of St Martha's Hospital, said: "This has become a major problem for us. The traffic signal in front of the hospital has not been working for the last two years. We have complained to the government and also to the police commissioner. But nothing has been done.
"There are no speed breakers, either, to slow down the vehicles. Our own doctors have met with accidents while crossing the road. Our emergency vehicle often gets stuck on the road due to traffic jams."

A security guard of the hospital said, "It is one of the most difficult tasks for us to stop traffic whenever an emergency vehicle enters or exits the hospital. A subway constructed for pedestrians recently remains unused as it is located far from the hospital."