Although the foundation stone was laid in 2014, the project stalled for over six years before being revived in 2022, with an estimated cost of around Rs 150 crore. The construction was executed in two phases: the first focused on the compound wall, while the second involved civil works for the hospital building.
Also Read:Maharashtra to provide land free of cost for ESIC Hospitals
Thoothukudi, being an industrial hub of the southern districts, has a significant population of ESIC cardholders who previously had to travel either to ESIC-affiliated hospitals locally or to the ESIC facility in Vannarapettai, Tirunelveli, to receive medical care. The new hospital is expected to reduce this dependency, providing accessible secondary and tertiary healthcare within the city itself. A senior official from the ESIC Regional Office, Chennai, confirmed that construction work is progressing steadily and stated that the hospital will gradually introduce super-speciality treatments.
“The hospital’s staff strength will adhere to ESIC norms for 100-bedded facilities, with departments, including general surgery, paediatrics, diabetology, obstetrics and gynaecology, and others,” he added. He further noted that upon the commencement of operation, based on the patient footfall, additional medical services and facilities anticipated by the patients would be reviewed, and measures would be taken to upgrade the facility further, reports the Hindu.
Despite assurances last August from A. Venu Gopal, Regional Director (in charge), ESIC Chennai, that the hospital would be operational by the end of 2025, it has yet to begin functioning.
Highlighting this issue in the Lok Sabha, Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi pointed out that while the facility is 98% complete, the delay in operationalisation is due to the absence of staff in key departments, including the outpatient department.
Also Read:ESI Super Speciality Hospital at Goshamahal stalled for 10 years
As per the Hindu, responding to the query, Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that the medical staff would be appointed and the facility would be made operational by the end of March 2026.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.