Residents Struggle for Basic Medical Care
Chennai: Despite being the capital city of Tamil Nadu, Chennai’s public healthcare facilities are failing to meet residents’ needs, particularly in areas like Kannagi Nagar and Chemmenjeri. The primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in these localities are struggling with a severe shortage of doctors, leaving thousands of residents with limited access to basic medical services.
Long Waits and Lack of Emergency Services
Residents in these relocated communities rely on government-run PHCs, but with only a handful of doctors available, patients often face long waiting hours or must travel to distant hospitals.
Rani, a mother of two, shared her experience: “My son had a high fever, and when I rushed to the PHC, there was no doctor available. The nurse gave basic medicine, but I had to take him to a private clinic, which was expensive.”
Another resident, Muthu, added, “Doctors are only here until noon. After that, if we need urgent care, we have to go all the way to the general hospital, which is far.”
According to the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) 2022, PHCs should provide outpatient services for at least six hours a day and ensure 24/7 emergency care. However, these guidelines are not being followed effectively in Kannagi Nagar and Chemmenjeri.
Crumbling Infrastructure at PHCs
Beyond the shortage of doctors, the Kannagi Nagar PHC is plagued by poor infrastructure, making it even more difficult to provide quality healthcare.
Patients report a lack of seating, ventilation, and hygiene. Overcrowding forces people to wait outside in the heat, and broken restroom facilities add to the hardship, especially for elderly and pregnant women.
Sundari, a senior citizen, said, “There are no proper chairs, and we have to wait outside for hours. The place is always dirty, and sometimes, even drinking water is unavailable.”
Local activist Kumar S added, “A healthcare facility should be a place of comfort and safety. But here, people hesitate to even sit inside due to the unhygienic conditions.”
Delayed Treatment and Financial Struggles
Residents also emphasized the challenges of not having doctors available beyond noon. Many cannot afford private healthcare and delay seeking treatment.
Selvi, a resident of Chemmenjeri, said, “If someone falls sick in the evening, no one is at the PHC to help. We have to wait until the next day.”
Ramesh, another resident, added, “If we don’t have money for private clinics, we just wait and hope a doctor is available the next day.”
Lakshmi, a domestic worker, echoed this sentiment: “We are so used to this situation that we don’t even complain anymore.”
Concerns Over Inadequate Medical Attention
Even when doctors are present, residents claim they do not receive thorough medical examinations. Some patients feel dismissed with only basic medications and no proper diagnosis.
Meenakshi, an elderly woman, shared, “For months, my husband saw no improvement. The doctor just gave him tablets without a proper check-up. We had to go to a private hospital, where they found out his condition was serious.”
Another resident, Chitra (name changed), added, “They barely examine us, just hand out medicines and move on to the next patient.”
Impact on Maternal and Child Healthcare
The doctor shortage has particularly affected maternal and child healthcare. Pregnant women struggle with delayed check-ups, and newborn vaccinations are postponed.
“They told me to go to GH (general hospital) because they didn’t have the facilities for my condition,” said Kavitha (name changed), who is seven months pregnant. “But traveling there is difficult, and the waiting time is long.”
A young mother, Meena, shared, “I came in the afternoon for my baby’s vaccination, but the doctor had already left. I was told to return the next morning, but I cannot keep taking leave from work.”
Government Initiatives and Unmet Demands
The Tamil Nadu government has launched initiatives to improve healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas. The Medical Services Recruitment Board (MRB) has announced the hiring of 2,553 doctors, with exams scheduled for January 27, 2025.
Despite these efforts, residents demand immediate action. They emphasize the need for permanent doctors, better infrastructure, and stricter oversight. While schemes like Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam provide some relief, they cannot replace fully functional PHCs with trained medical professionals.
“We need real doctors here daily, not just temporary staff or trainees. Our lives are at stake,” said Rajeshwari, a resident.
Community members urge authorities to conduct regular inspections, improve accountability, and ensure essential services are available round the clock. Until then, they fear the healthcare crisis in Kannagi Nagar and Chemmenjeri will continue to put lives at risk.
