MLA seeks extension of medical college on old hospital premises

Pichandi supports demand of youth for opening extension of medical college

K. Pichandi, former minister and Keel Pennathur MLA, has demanded that the Government Tiruvannamalai Medical College start an extension hospital on the old premises of the government hospital.

Mr. Pichandi’s demand assumes significance in the wake of campaign by youth for a hospital on the old premises of the government hospital.

The youth have announced a plan to stage a protest on Friday. The MLA raised the issue recently on the floor of the Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Pichandi told The Hindu that instead of demanding a taluk hospital on the old premises, people need to demand that the Government Tiruvannamalai Medical College open an extension on the premises of the old government hospital.

“The Tiruvannamalai Medical College situated on the outer ring road away from the town has a 500-bed hospital there. But it is not sufficient to accommodate all the patients come there. Because of insufficient space, several patients are accommodated on the floor. Whereas, the old premises has sufficient space to accommodate another 500 beds. By making use of the building to run its hospital’s extension or branch, the college can ease itself from the congestion on the main premises. Non-critical patients shall be shifted to the extension.

“The college should maintain a set of doctors to look after inpatients and cases of emergencies come from the town and adjacent villages. By doing so, people can make use of good number of doctors available in the college and college can make use of infrastructure that is lying idle.

Water scarcity

“The medical college is facing a severe water shortage while the water supply is excellent in the old hospital premises. Therefore, it will be a win-win situation for all. Hence government should consider the idea seriously and a hospital should start running shortly on the old government hospital premises both in the interest of patients, public and the institute,” he said.