Only 6 Doctors against 12 Sanctioned Posts at Kodaikanal Govt Hospital: RTI

Dindigul: The Kodaikanal Government Hospital in Dindigul is currently operating with only six doctors, leaving six of the 12 sanctioned positions vacant, according to a Right To Information (RTI) reply. The hospital is grappling with a severe shortage of doctors and medical staff, with several sanctioned positions lying vacant for over a year.

According to the health department, the facility was sanctioned 12 doctor positions, but only six have been filled. Similarly, out of the 24 sanctioned roles for housekeeping and multi-purpose workers, 15 remain vacant. The hospital, which caters to patients from remote areas around Kodaikanal, is facing increased pressure due to the staff shortage, forcing patients to seek treatment at distant health facilities. 

The RTI application filed by Activist Veronica Mary sought details regarding the total number of healthcare and other employees working at the hospital along with the footfall of patients. 

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Expressing shock over the revelation in the RTI reply, Veronica Mary told TNIE, "In an upgraded primary health centre, four physicians will be in place. Kodaikanal Government Hospital is a taluk government hospital and only six doctors are present, whereas the sanctioned strength is around 12. All patients from remote regions in and around Kodaikanal come here in case of emergencies. Besides, referrals from primary health centres in Kodaikanal also come here. Other patients will be referred to health facilities in Palani, which is over 60 km away."

Despite the staff crunch, the hospital continues to serve a significant number of patients. The RTI data revealed that in 2023 alone, the hospital treated 13,623 inpatients and over 1.35 lakh outpatients. In 2024, the figures remained high, with 12,869 inpatients and 1.26 lakh outpatients receiving treatment.

An official from the health department (Dindigul division) told the Daily, "Doctors are extremely stressed over emergency situations. Besides, doctors are deputed to handle cases in Peripheral Hospitals in Thandikudi and other facilities in Kodaikanal. If any doctor is absent, rest of the doctors have to work long hours and it becomes very tiresome. We have conveyed our problems to higher officials in Dindigul city, who have promised to resolve the issue soon."

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