A day after, Apollo sheds fortress tag

Hospital sources confirmed that patients could access all the facilities and could be accompanied by attenders like earlier. 

From September 22, when the late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa was brought to the Apollo Hospitals on Greams Road had turned into a citadel. With hordes of policemen on duty, keeping a track on the movement of public around the vicinity. However, soon after the announcement of her passing away on late Monday night and her mortal remains were moved to her Poes Garden residence, the crowd cleared and the barricades were removed. 

On Tuesday, sources from the hospital said that all the floors, including the second floor, where the CM was reportedly being treated, were all accessible for patients. “It is back to normal,” said the source. 

Another source from the hospital confirmed that they were already receiving calls for appointments for specialists across disciplines. The source said, “We have received calls from patients and families asking if there were appointment slots. They have been assured there would be no change.” 

The tight security was reported to have been not just for the CM’s safety, but also for controlling the flow of information. According to sources, the floor where the CM was being treated was accessible only to a select few who were close to her. Similarly, every patient visiting the hospital was being screened and only one attender could accompany the patient. All private vehicles were being stopped and checked, thought shuttle car services were offered for those who needed them.