Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Inspects Chennai Children Hospital After Complaints Of Lapses

Last Updated:July 08, 2026, 22:59 IST

The Chief Minister inspected the hospital days after a viral video alleged bribery, poor hygiene and inadequate facilities, and reviewed patient care with doctors and mothers.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday made an unannounced visit to the Government Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children in Chennai, days after a viral social media video alleged bribery, poor hygiene and inadequate facilities there.

The surprise inspection, his first as Chief Minister, saw Vijay review the hospital’s infrastructure, interact with doctors and medical staff, and speak to mothers admitted to the facility. Photographs released by the government showed him holding newborn babies, interacting with patients’ families and discussing the hospital’s functioning with officials.

The visit followed a viral video posted by a woman who claimed to be from a below-the-poverty-line family. She alleged that hospital staff had demanded bribes, meals were not being served on time and several basic facilities were lacking.

Responding to the allegations, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Dr Arun Raj said the contract staff member accused in the complaint had been dismissed. He added that feedback from patients and attendants pointed to the need for additional toilets, more wards and a canteen, and said the government would examine measures to strengthen the hospital’s infrastructure and improve patient services.

News of the Chief Minister’s visit drew large crowds outside the hospital, with supporters and members of the public gathering at the premises. Security personnel were deployed to manage the crowd during the inspection.

The visit also carries political significance. Women and children are considered a key support base for Vijay, and his popularity among these groups is widely seen as having played an important role in the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s electoral success, helping the party emerge as the single largest in the Assembly and form the government.

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