Forced to stand in queue in hot sun: Kalyan residents

KALYAN: The number of individuals arriving at the Rukminibai civic hospital for antigen and RT-PCR tests has increased in recent times with people waiting in a long queue on most days to get themselves tested.

Those waiting in the queue to get the test done for long hours have complained of lack of a shed while they stand under the scorching heat.

Presently, the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) conducts nearly 4,500 tests daily after the spike in Covid cases in February. The testing facility, which is arranged outside the hospital, at the entrance, does not have a roof.

The Rukminibai hospital carries out around 300-350 antigen and RT-PCR tests in a day. For both the tests, there are long queues on most days.

“Sometimes, we have to wait for an hour for the testing as the queue is long. A temporary shed will also help us from the scoring sun. Some people also come with their children and wait in the hot weather. At least during summer, the civic body should make some arrangements by providing a shed,” said Rohit Patil, 34, who arrived for the testing at the hospital.

“There is a shed and a few chairs but away from the testing booth. If we sit away, then we might miss our turn and hence everyone stands right outside the booth. There is a need to have a shed right outside the booth,” said Patil.

Chief medical officer at Rukminibai hospital, Purushottam Tike, said,” I have received complaints regarding lack of shed. We’ve arranged one nearby where people can sit in the chairs and arrangement of fans is also done. People, however, stand right outside the booth.”

RISHIKESH CHOUDHARY/HT PHOTO Citizens waiting for tests outside the Rukminibai civic hospital in Kalyan without any overhead shelter.