An Analysis of Inadequacies in Public Health Facilities: A Case Study of a Government Multispecialty Tertiary Care Hospital

Bathing is an important activity of daily living and should be a pleasurable experience. Adequate and suitable bathing and washing facilities can help to ensure that patients are bathed in private and with dignity. The study was conducted in a Government Multispecialty Hospital with the objective to assess and analyze the inadequacies in public health facilities. Poor access and inadequate adaptations for wheelchair users were also highlighted. A total of 74 baths, 142 washrooms and 124 washbasins (both in IPD and OPD of Hospital) were surveyed. None such studies had been conducted to assess the inadequacies in the public health facilities in health care organizations. All bathrooms and washrooms had proper location and were spacious. 99.5% of the baths had dual water supply; cold and hot. 99.5% baths were clean and non slippery. No bath hoists and non slip mats were present in any of the bath, while 37.8% (28) didn't have bath rods. There were separate male and female washrooms with having appropriate signage (98.0%). About 15.5% (22) washrooms were not properly clean and 17.6% (25) were foul smelling. The facilities for the handicapped and wheelchairs users were not appropriate. 97.0% (121) of the washbasins have mirrors, while towel rods and soap cases were found in 88.7% (110) and 97.5% (121) respectively. So, lot emphases need to be given to improve the decor, cleanliness, and general environment for making washing and bathing a dignified and relaxing experience. Hospital managers, doctors, and matrons should focus on these important issues and it might be a good idea to make these facilities a key factor in star ratings of hospitals.