For thousands of patients and caregivers visiting Bengaluru’s major government hospitals every day, reaching medical treatment can itself become a challenge due to poor pedestrian infrastructure, broken footpaths and unsafe road conditions.
A recent assessment around some of the city’s busiest public healthcare institutions has brought attention to the difficulties faced by people navigating the areas surrounding hospitals, particularly senior citizens, persons with disabilities and those already dealing with health emergencies.
Basic infrastructure remains a challenge
The study found that roads and pedestrian pathways around several major government hospitals are often poorly maintained, making movement difficult for patients and attendants.
Broken footpaths, uneven surfaces, encroachments, inadequate crossings and the absence of accessible infrastructure were among the key concerns identified.
Patients arriving for treatment frequently have to negotiate heavy traffic, parked vehicles and damaged walkways before even entering hospital premises.
Vulnerable groups face the biggest impact
The lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure disproportionately affects elderly patients, people using wheelchairs, those recovering from surgery and caregivers assisting family members.
Experts note that hospital surroundings should ideally be designed to minimise physical strain and ensure safe movement for vulnerable individuals.
Instead, many visitors are forced to walk on busy roads due to damaged or obstructed footpaths, increasing the risk of accidents.
Calls for coordinated civic action
Urban planners and public health experts have stressed the need for better coordination between healthcare institutions and civic agencies to improve accessibility around hospitals.
Suggested measures include repairing footpaths, improving street lighting, creating safe pedestrian crossings, removing encroachments and ensuring barrier-free access for persons with disabilities.
They argue that healthcare access extends beyond hospital buildings and includes the surrounding public infrastructure that patients depend upon.
Improving access to healthcare
With government hospitals serving lakhs of patients every year, improving civic infrastructure around these institutions is increasingly being viewed as a public health priority.
Experts believe that safer roads, accessible footpaths and better traffic management can significantly improve the experience of patients and caregivers while reducing risks associated with travelling to healthcare facilities.
The findings have renewed calls for Bengaluru’s civic agencies to prioritise pedestrian safety and accessibility in areas surrounding key medical institutions