Nagalakshmi Choudhary, chairperson, Karnataka State Women’s Commission, reprimanded officers for the lack of facilities at the district hospital in Belagavi on Monday (September 7).

She said that officers needed to focus more on the maternity ward. “We have been receiving complaints that pregnant women arriving for deliveries are forced to wander from one department to another for things like paper work and blood tests. This problem needs to be taken seriously and the officials concerned should find a solution to their problems,’’ she said.

She found that there was only one toilet for pregnant women in the ward and patients and attendants were facing problems due to a lack of cleanliness. She said that it is the responsibility of the hospital staff to provide a respectful and safe environment for women and pregnant women who come for treatment.

Dr. Choudhary instructed the medical officers to take necessary steps to ensure that women and patients who come to the district hospital for treatment do not face any kind of inconvenience.

“Health is a fundamental right of everyone, and action will be taken to resolve the complaints received regarding the problems of women and patients in the hospital as soon as possible,’’ she said.

At the same time, efforts should be made to protect women officers working in government departments. Any kind of harrassment or oppression against women staff will not be tolerated, she stated. “I urge all women who face problems to lodge complaints with the women’s commission or the police station,’’ she said. She ensured that strict action would be taken against the guilty as per the law.

Members of ‘Movement for Gender and Sexual Pluralism’ organisation submitted a memorandum to the chairperson, demanding action against the lack of basic facilities and administrative lapses at various taluk hospitals in the district.

Police Commissioner Prakash Nikkam, BIMS Hospital director Vinaya Dastikoppa, BIMS Administrative Officer Reshma Talikoti, district surgeon Jagadeesh, Local Medical Officer Saroja Thigadi and others were present.