Madurai Government Hospital Faces Backlash as ‘Elective’ Surgeries Halted
Madurai, Tamil Nadu – The Madurai Government Hospital has been caught in the midst of a heated controversy as the Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association has called for a halt on ‘elective’ surgeries, causing severe distress to patients.
The decision to suspend ‘elective’ surgeries, which are scheduled in advance, came about after a clash erupted between doctors at the primary health center of the Madurai Municipal Corporation. The dispute arose following the deaths of four women who had given birth in September at the hospital’s maternity ward.
The Tamil Nadu Government Doctors’ Association accused City Health Officer Vinod and his staff of trespassing into the maternity ward without authorization. In response, the association launched a daily protest demanding the immediate suspension of the City Health Officer.
The suspension of ‘elective’ surgeries has affected hundreds of patients, as individuals from southern districts who had already undergone all necessary tests were left in limbo. Normally, around 30 surgeries are conducted daily at Madurai Government Hospital, but for the past five to six days, approximately 200 patients have been unable to receive the necessary procedures. Moreover, the pediatric department has also been forced to halt such surgeries.
The lack of progress in resolving the ongoing dispute has pushed these patients towards seeking treatment in private hospitals. Frustrated by the situation, doctors have announced their plans to register contingency leave with the National Medical Commission and join the protest.
The Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association has further declared its intention to boycott the outpatient department from October 13. This move is expected to exacerbate the existing strain on healthcare services, as the Madurai Government Hospital currently treats up to 7,000 individuals on an outpatient basis daily.
Despite the suffering endured by patients, the Tamil Nadu government has yet to take any substantial action to address the doctors’ protest. As a result, patients from the South District continue to travel to Madurai every day, only to return home disappointed. The dire state of the health sector demands immediate attention and resolution by the government.