BENGALURU, 12 JAN

The Indira Transit Clinics, established at Majestic and Yeshwantpur bus stations in 2017 to cater to medical emergencies for staff and passengers, are now in a deteriorating state, undermining their intended purpose.

During their inauguration, the Congress government had promised these clinics would have a full-time doctor, nurse, lab technician, oxygen cylinder, and medicines. However, a recent visit by Salar News to the clinic at the Majestic station revealed several missing services, including the absence of an oxygen cylinder, nurse, and lab technician.

The clinic, which should be available for emergencies, is closed on most days of the week. Dr Vishwas, the doctor in charge of Indira Clinic in Majestic, said the clinic faced closure due to burst drainage pipes and a cracked roof. “Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Police (BBMP) might consider integrating it into Namma Clinic,” he said.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a BMTC staff member said, "We are not even sure if the clinic is open or not. It is not beneficial for us. Instead of spending money on running this clinic, they could provide free or discounted diabetes and blood pressure tablets for the staff."

The clinic building is surrounded with garbage and emits a strong smell of urine. A regular traveller, Umesh, dismissed the clinic as fraudulent. “It opens and closes at the whim of the watchman, with doctors and nurses rarely present,” he said.

Apart from the salaries of the staff, the clinic gets Rs 10,000 for maintenance, medicines from Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited and money under Untied Grants to be used during emergencies, said Dr Venkatesh, BBMP, in charge of grants.

The clinics were inaugurated by then transport minister HM Revanna after the success of Indira Canteens. The minister had also planned to set up these clinics in all the major bus stations but it never saw the light of day. —Salar News