Public Clinic

Finding Y 1977 in the Y Block of Mangolpuri can be a bit of a challenge if you aren't from around here. The lanes are narrow and always full of life, which is exactly where Public Clinic sits. We are right in the middle of all those houses and small shops. The building itself is quite old, and you can see the history in the bricks. Inside, the space is tight, but we’ve managed to fit everything we need. There is a small desk where I sit to take down names, and the waiting area only fits about four people comfortably. If more show up, they usually just wait outside on the step and chat with the neighbors. It’s a very social atmosphere in this part of Mangolpuri. The sounds of kids playing and people selling vegetables right outside our door is just part of the daily routine. We don’t have air conditioning, just a couple of wall fans that hum away all afternoon. The lighting is a bit yellow, giving the whole place a warm, lived-in feeling. It isn't a sterile, white-walled environment like you see on television. It’s a real place for real people who live in the block. We handle a lot of small issues every day, and we don't make a big deal out of it. It’s just about being there for the folks who live right next door to us.