Kanchi government hospital beset with poor infra, bribery charges

The hospital caters to patients from over 350 villages in the district and is known for dealing with pregnancy cases, attested by its record of having achieved over 75 per cent of births between 2013 and 2016 through normal delivery.

However, that distinction held by the hospital as well as the goodwill among the public is now fast fading because of its poor administration.

Patients, spoken to by DT Next, said that ward boys are demanding Rs 1000 to allow patients into the operation theatre and after the baby is born, patients are again being asked to pay Rs 1000 if it is a boy and Rs 750 for a girl baby.

“The hospital staff demanded money from my husband even before showing the baby to him. They did not allow anyone to look at me and the baby till the money was paid,” said Prabhavathi of Iyampet, who delivered her child at the hospital.

This apart, poorly maintained facilities serve as another indicator of the hospital’s mismanagement. The MRI scan machine, which was provided by the state government a year ago, has not even been installed yet.

Sources added that although the hospital has 480 beds for patients, only 300 are available. And out of 84 doctors, only 54 are reporting for duty. Patients also claimed that due to recent voltage fluctuation, about 150 of 350 tube lights are not functioning properly. It has been learnt that the hospital staff have allegedly asked patients admitted in the hospital to buy a tube light each.

The hospital has a special care ward for treating accident victims who have severe injuries. Of late, however, only first aid is being given there and patients are being referred to the Government General Hospital in Chennai or Chengalpattu Government Hospital.

“After a bike accident, my relative was admitted in the Kancheepuram hospital. Doctors said the patient was critical and referred him to the GH in Chennai. But doctors there said he was perfectly fine with no serious injuries. He was discharged in a day,” said R Rajendran, a resident of Thammal.

When contacted by DT Next, Hospital superintendent Dr Valliammal acknowledged that there have been several complaints about bribe being demanded by the staff. “I have formed a special team consisting of senior doctors and staff. They will be monitoring the hospital premises. Those who are caught in the act will be dismissed,” she said.