Located at the critical junction connecting the regions of Tiruchi, Pudukottai and Thanjavur, Budalur Government Hospital constitutes a critical facility in the region. |Picture source: R. Vengadesh
Located at the main junction connecting Thanjavur, Tiruchi and Pudukkottai areas, the Budalur Taluk government hospital is working to cope with staff shortages and underutilized facilities, raising concerns among local residents and activists.
The hospital has a capacity of about 40 beds and only three doctors, one of which is a representative of Thirukkattupalli government hospital. There are still four doctor vacancies that are yet to be filled. Staff shortages have resulted in delays in emergency and post-carceral procedures, especially at night.
“This is an accident-prone area, with major roads such as the Thanjavur–Kumbakonam, Thanjavur–Tiruchi, and Thanjavur–Pudukkottai routes nearby. In the event of serious accidents, victims are brought here. However, in the absence of night-duty doctors and postmortem staff, families are forced to take the bodies to Thanjavur Medical College,” said Jeeva Kumar V., Social Activist.
Despite the scans and X-ray machines in the hospital, they do not use them effectively due to the lack of technicians on most days.
R. Mukil, secretary of the Budal union of CPI, said the hospital mainly caters to the poor. “Snake bites are common in this agricultural area, but patients are often referred to Thanjavur due to limited facilities. The nearest government hospital is located 8 km away from Thirukkattupalli, with only two PHCs nearby, in Kadharipatti and Koviladi, Budalur GH is crucial in the area.”
Official sources from the health department said Taruk-class GHs are expected to be recruited throughout the state soon. “Once fully staffed, 24/7 services are ensured, including night doctors, and hospitals will be eligible for the increased allocation of funds,” said a senior official from the department.
Regarding the autopsy issue, officials said only 20% of approved morgue staff throughout the region.
publishing – April 14, 2025 at 7:14 pm IST
