Chennai: A severe shortage of doctors at Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) hospitals, especially Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs), has sparked widespread concern among city residents. According to civic officials, over 120 doctors need to be recruited to fill existing vacancies.
Residents across multiple wards have reported absenteeism and service delays, even on regular working days. K.S. Kannan from Mugalivakkam shared that on May 1, a public holiday, the doctor was absent at the UPHC in ward 156, leaving patients without prescriptions or proper follow-up care.
“The hospital was open, but there was no doctor. Nurses said they didn’t turn up because it was a holiday. We couldn’t even get a prescription for a review visit,” Kannan said, adding that he had lodged a complaint with the Chief Minister’s Office.
Wards Affected, Civic Leaders Speak Out
Ward 35 Councillor S. Jeevan confirmed that the issue is persistent and tied to poor pay and retention challenges.
“Doctors quit within months due to low salaries. This problem has been ongoing for two years. Over 70% of my ward’s residents rely on the UPHC. GCC must increase pay and restructure working hours,” he said, suggesting Sunday operations and half-day offs on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Need for Specialists and Policy Overhaul
Geetha Ganesh, Secretary of AGS Colony Residents’ Welfare Association, demanded the appointment of psychiatrists and dermatologists at local health and wellness centres, citing growing mental health and dermatological needs.
GCC Response
GCC officials acknowledged the shortage and said recruitment of 120 doctors is planned in the coming months. However, no specific timeline has been provided.
Residents and civic leaders alike are urging the GCC to prioritise healthcare reforms, especially in densely populated and lower-income areas that depend entirely on public health infrastructure.
