Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Despite ongoing complaints about poor laundry services, the administration of Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital (MYH) has extended the laundry operator’s tenure until March 31. This move comes as a surprise, as the hospital had previously issued a notice asking the operator to vacate the premises within three months due to multiple inefficiency complaints.

The decision worsened the crisis of unwashed bedsheets and OT clothes, affecting patient care at MY Hospital, MTH Hospital, and the Super Specialty Hospital. Patients are being forced to bring their own linens, while delayed washing of OT clothes is raising infection risks and disrupting surgeries.

The issue has persisted for over a year, with the operator repeatedly getting extensions despite failing to meet service standards. Meanwhile, the Government Cancer Hospital and Chacha Nehru Hospital have already switched to private laundries, avoiding similar problems.

According to hospital sources, the key factor behind the crisis is delayed payments. The laundry operator claims Rs3.25 lakh in monthly dues, with payments stalled for six months. Employees have not received salaries, leading to service failures.

The operator has also requested a 5 per cent annual payment increase, citing services provided even during the Covid-19 pandemic. With a new tender process expected to take at least three months, MYHospital remains dependent on the struggling laundry service, raising serious concerns over hospital hygiene and patient safety.

“The tenure of laundry operator has been extended as no new agency has been finalised for the work yet. The services will be affected without laundry service due to which tenure has been extended.”

-Dr Ashok Yadav, Superintendent, MY Hospital