Stench, filth and dirt that were all synonyms for state-run MGM Medical College and Hospital in Sakchi are fast being vacuumed away.

Two days after a private firm took up the cleaning job, parts of the dilapidated medical college and hospital have begun to shine on Tuesday.

As many as 49 workers, including women, of Tridev Cleaning Company, the agency that got the yearlong cleaning contract on May 27, are engaged in the drive. The agency started work from June 2.

Gadgets such as vacuum cleaners and mechanised mops, as well as bottles of acid have given floors and walls of the 550-bed Sakchi hospital a fresh look. There was no dirt at the wards, corridors and staircases, no foul smell either.

Hospital superintendent S.S. Prasad toured the health hub on Tuesday to oversee the progress of the work.

Talking to The Telegraph, Prasad said keeping the state-run hospital clean like a private health hub was a Herculean task. “Floors and walls are damaged. Water leakage is another problem of the decades-old building,” he said.

He, however, seemed satisfied with the present agency’s work.

“Earlier, contractors carried the job manually, but the new agency (Tridev) has brought in mechanised gadgets. We hope that the new agency brings about a positive change.”

Patients also heaved a sigh of relief.

“I am admitted here for the last one month, but I had never thought that the look of the hospital could change so soon. Till three days ago, I used to take my lunch outside the medical ward because of an unbearable foul smell, but now the hospital looks like my home,” said patient Parasnath Prasad.

Another patient, Sheikh Mustaque, echoed him. “If the new contractor’s enthusiasm stays the same, MGM medical college will soon be one of the best hospitals in the city.”

According to the agreement, the agency will get Rs 220 a day for each of the 49 workers, and in turn will pay Rs 184 as daily wage.

Tridev proprietor K.K. Mishra said they would make the hospital spic-and-span within a week and maintain hygiene round the year.

“Beside keeping the hospital premises clean, I will also put fibre grass sheets in front of every door so that people wipe their shoes before entering a ward. We will also place spittoons at every corner to discourage people from spitting anywhere they wish,” said Mishra.

He added the onus of maintenance lay with people also.

For later, Mishra wants to start gardening at some vacant patches on hospital premises and also set up earmarked parking areas.