Minister for Handlooms, Textiles and Khadi M. Vijay Balaji addressing doctors at the District Headquarters Hospital in Erode in Tamil Nadu on Monday.
| Photo Credit: GOVARTHAN M.
Minister for Handlooms, Textiles and Khadi M. Vijay Balaji on Monday (June 8, 2026) directed doctors and staff at the District Headquarters Government Hospital in Erode to ensure quality treatment for patients and minimise referrals to private hospitals and tertiary care government hospitals in Salem and Coimbatore.Speaking at a review meeting after inspecting the hospital, the Minister said most patients visiting government hospitals were poor, underprivileged, and deserved compassionate care. Referring to complaints about frequent referrals, he said the issue had been brought to his attention even before he was elected MLA. “If 10 patients come here, nine are reportedly referred elsewhere. Such practices should be avoided and patients should be provided timely and quality treatment here itself,” he said.Pointing to infrastructure deficiencies, Mr. Balaji noted that rainwater leaked through the roof of the old hospital building during his visit. He instructed officials to improve toilet maintenance and provide a ramp in the toilet for persons with disabilities. Patients should not be made to move between the old and new blocks for diagnostic tests, he said, adding that additional seating should be provided in the outpatient department.The Minister said government hospitals should examine why many patients continued to prefer private healthcare despite the facilities available in public institutions. “The objective should be to create conditions where even MLAs and ministers would choose to undergo treatment here,” he said. Urging doctors to treat the hospital as their own institution and maintain professional standards, Mr. Balaji assured them that he would take up their requirements with the Health Minister and facilitate the procurement of essential equipment.Doctors sought a PET scan facility, replacement of ageing electrical equipment and wiring in the old and new buildings, and an additional outpatient ticket counter. The Minister assured them that steps would be taken to provide the facilities at the earliest.Joint Director of Health Services Jayanthi, Hospital Superintendent Venkatesan, Resident Medical Officer Sasirekha, senior doctors and nursing supervisors attended the meeting. Published - June 08, 2026 06:50 pm IST
