Two contract supervisors in CMCH suspended for failing to provide wheelchair to patient

COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) administration on Wednesday suspended two contract supervisors for five days after a man was forced to carry his elderly diabetic father from the third floor to the ground floor after vainly waiting for a wheelchair.On Tuesday, V Kalidasan accompanied his father, C Vadivel,84, for a follow-up at the outpatient department in CMCH. "In the reception, there was only one staff member who did not respond properly. Doctors suggested an amputation of my father's foot. I managed to take him upstairs using the elevator. Since I am also under medical observation, I cannot lift weights. It was very difficult for me to carry him down again.

When I approached a female staff member who had an empty wheelchair, she demanded Rs 100. I agreed to pay. But then she asked me to wait for 30 more minutes. I managed to carry my father to the ground floor using the elevator. As a person who accompanied us started recording the video, the staff member came forward to extend a wheelchair. But by then we had reached the autorickshaw,” Kalidasan told TOI.After the video went viral, an inquiry was initiated against the contract company.

Two supervisors, Esther Rani and Mani Vasagam, were suspended for five days.CMCH dean M Geethanjali told reporters that there was no solid evidence for the staff member demanding money. “However, to avoid future incidents and reduce the waiting time of the patients, the green brigade initiative will be launched. At least four staff members of the contract company will be on standby with wheelchairs and stretchers to support the OP. In addition to this, I have signed the proceeding to procure more wheelchairs and stretchers for the OP.

To avoid the transportation of goods and medicines on stretchers, more trolleys would be procured," she said.At present, ten wheelchairs and six stretchers are allotted for the OP in the hospital.