Darbhanga: While the Union government is pitching for toilets in every corner of the nation, the central clinical laboratory of Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) does not have a working toilet causing women patients to compromise with their privacy during providing urine and stool samples.

The women patients said the only toilet in the laboratory is not in use and they are compelled to make use of the open space beside the hospital premises to their discomfort. "I had come to give a urine sample but the only toilet in the laboratory is not in use. I had to go to an open space besides the laboratory campus. My daughter covered me with her dupatta, yet it was embarrassing," said a patient.

She said that at times it becomes difficult as men stare at the women patients while they use the open space for providing samples. "The hospital administration should make arrangements for women patients as soon as possible so that privacy and hygiene can be maintained," she added.

Another woman patient said: "Having access to the toilet is a must at public places, especially in hospitals. I had to go back home with a urine sample tube as I did not find it safe to go in the open."

The deputy superintendent of Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, Baleshwar Sagar, admitted to the lapses and told The Telegraph that repair work would be started soon and the patients will be able to access the toilets. "The public works department has been informed," he added.