BBMP’s unopened dialysis centre for the poor in Chamarajpet lies in state of disuse

BENGALURU: In yet another instance of official apathy, a three-storey dialysis centre constructed by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) at a cost of Rs 3 crore near Ashwath Katte in Kasturba Nagar of Chamarajpet is lying in a state of disuse and has become a haven for anti-social activities. Also, there is no word about the Rs 2 crore worth of equipment that was to be installed here.

The building was constructed two years ago before the Covid-19 pandemic and was supposed house a dialysis centre for poor patients. However, even after two years since the construction was completed, it has still not been inaugurated. This, despite the upcoming Assembly elections.

“The building was constructed at a cost of about Rs 3 crore and the total area is about 15,000 sqft. The construction was completed about two years ago and the interiors has also been completed about a year ago, but no equipment has been installed yet. The authorities keep saying that a tender has been issued for Rs 2 crore to install the equipment, but there is no further information about it”, said Sunil Venkatesh, a local resident.

The building is littered with beer bottles and other waste.

Chamarajpet and surrounding areas have the highest number of slums in the city and the poor people cannot afford the high cost for regular dialysis. The dialysis centre was built to benefit the poor, but thanks to BBMP’s negligence, some of the equipment has still not arrived. It was said that the equipment will be purchased under the local MLA’s grant of Rs 2 crore, but nothing has come through yet.

“If this dialysis centre had been inaugurated, it would have been helpful for so many poor people. Now, they have to go to Victoria Hospital and will have to spend at least Rs 100 for travel on each visit. If this centre had been opened, people of Chamarajpet constituency could have saved some money. The government and the BBMP should take note of this and make arrangements for its inauguration. The present MLA’s term is ending and he could have at least taken credit for it if it had been inaugurated”, he said.

Sunil Venkatesh, a local resident, pointed out that the dialysis centre would have been of much help to poor people.

Surprisingly, there are no name boards or signboards indicating that it is a dialysis centre and locals rue whether it will ever be opened for the public. The authorities concerned should not let public property be misused by anti-social elements and should ensure that it is used for the intended purposes, they added.