ARIYALUR: Lack of seating arrangement and transportation facilities is causing hardship to those visiting the Siddha unit of the the Ariyalur Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH) for treatment, rue patients.
In March 2023, the District Headquarters Government Hospital in Ariyalur was upgraded to a medical college hospital, with most departments relocated to the new building at the Ariyalur Government Arts College campus. However, departments, including Siddha, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G), and Yoga and Naturopathy continue to operate from the old building.
Visitors have no option but to walk 1.5 km to the new building for blood tests, X-rays, and scans due to lack of transport facilities, patients said. The Siddha unit, in particular, suffers from severe space constraints too. About 60 patients, primarily those with diabetes and orthopaedic issues, visit the unit daily. However, lack of a waiting area forces many to stand for extended period, with some resorting to sitting on the floor.
After completing their tests, they must return to the old building to seek the doctor's opinion, further increasing their plight. Although the hospital management was made aware of the issue, no action has been taken yet, patients said. They are now demanding the Siddha unit to be shifted to the new building.
R Shenbagam, a patient, told TNIE, "I have been taking Siddha treatment for years. When I recently went to the Siddha unit, I had to take a scan. I spent Rs 250 back and forth for an auto ride to the new building as I could not walk. We visit the GH because we don't have enough money."
"Even if there is a blood collection unit in the old building, they refuse to draw samples. We don't have an option but going to the new building. Due to space constraints, the unit lacks a public bench and an area to house tables. We are forced to stand for a long time, worsening our leg pain," C Kathiravan, another patient, said.
When contacted, a senior official of GMCH said, "We have informed the government about the issue. Hopefully the units, including Siddha, will be shifted to the new building soon."