Concern over proposed reduction in number of doctors at Padmanabhapuram GH

Members of the public have raised concerns over the proposed reduction in number of doctors at Government District Headquarters Hospital of Padmanabhapuram, which is located in Thuckalay following the rationalisation of doctors.

This has prompted the local residents to oppose the move, as the hospital serves a large number of people from the western part of the district, particularly those living in remote areas such as Pechiparai, Kothaiyar and other tribal areas. There have already been demands to increase the bed strength to 200 and appoint special doctors.

Against this backdrop, reports that the number of doctors at the hospital would be reduced from 35 to 21 have drawn strong objections from the public.

G. Arul Soban, chairperson of Padmanabhapuram Municipality, said the hospital’s strategic location had resulted in it receiving 800 to 1,000 out patients every day. “There have been demands to increase the bed strength for the benefit of the people,” he added.

Mr. Soban added the hospital currently has three doctors with an MD in General Medicine. However, under the proposed rationalisation their number was reportedly set to be reduced to one.

“Even with three general medicine doctors, people had complained about delays in treatment and procedures. If it is reduced to one, the situation would be pathetic,” he said.

Pointing out that many patients were already being referred to Kanniyakumari Government Medical College and Hospital (KKGMCH) in Asaripallam, Mr. Soban noted the reduction in the number of doctors would lead to a further increase in referrals to the KKGMCH.

“This will majorly affect the people seeking treatment from Pechiparai, Kothaiyar and other remote areas,” he said.

He said that a petition regarding this has recently been submitted to the District Collector and urged the government to retain at least the original strength for the benefit of people.

Speaking on this, an official from the Health Department said the decision had been taken as part of a statewide rationalisation exercise. He added that though this would decrease the doctors strength at hospitals in Thuckalay and Kuzhithurai, it will increase the strength in government hospitals in places like Kanniyakumari and Arumanai.

“The rationalisation has been undertaken to address issues relating to stay duty at all government hospitals and ensure round-the-clock treatment in the hospitals,” he added.