CHENNAI: PWD has sought funds from the state government through the health department to restore and repair 198 lifts at government hospitals across the state. A senior PWD official said, “We manage approximately 414 lifts in GHs functioning under the DME. Our recent survey identified that 198 lifts in various hospitals are in need of replacement.
We are still inspecting hospitals to identify older lifts. In Chennai alone, nearly 100 lifts, including those in Rajiv Gandhi hospital, Stanley hospital and Egmore children’s hospital, have to be restored. We have sought funds to restore 198 lifts, and disbursement is likely in a phased manner.” He saidplans are afoot to begin work on lifts at Rajiv Gandhi and Stanley hospitals in January next.
Another official told TNIE, “Recently, we completed electrical work in 15 GHs across districts including Chennai, Tiruchy and Villupuram at a cost of Rs 2.66 crore. Based on requests, PWD has sought for funds towards annual maintenance of lifts.”
A doctor from Karur Government Hospital, on condition of anonymity, said, “Lift operators jobs are yet to be filled in several hospitals. Some major government hospitals lack sufficient number of lifts.” When contacted, a PWD official said, “The health department will assign lift operators. A joint survey by health and PWD officials is under way to identify hospitals in need of new lifts. Proposals will be submitted to the government soon.”