Wed Mar 19 13:16:10 UTC 2025: ## Kodaikanal Government Hospital Faces Severe Staff Shortages, Leaving Patients Stranded
**Kodaikanal, March 19, 2025** – A Right to Information (RTI) request has revealed a critical staffing shortage at the Kodaikanal Government Hospital (GH), leaving patients, many from the tribal community, struggling to access adequate healthcare. The hospital, which serves a large population including tourists, is significantly understaffed, with only six of twelve sanctioned doctor posts filled and approximately nine of 24 helper positions vacant.
This shortage is particularly concerning given the high patient volume. In 2023 and 2024, the hospital treated over 130,000 outpatients annually and thousands of inpatients, performing hundreds of deliveries and C-sections. The GH also receives referrals from six surrounding Primary Health Centres (PHCs), further increasing its workload.
Health activist A. Veronica Mary, who filed the RTI, highlighted the strain on the existing staff. She noted that due to the understaffing, patients, especially those from tribal communities, are often forced to travel long distances to hospitals in Batlagundu or Dindigul, facing significant transportation challenges. This three-hour journey presents a considerable hardship for individuals already suffering from illness or injury.
Ms. Mary emphasized that the lack of staff affects not only local villagers but also tourists who require treatment for accidents, snake bites, or suicide attempts. She stressed the urgent need to fill the vacant positions to ensure adequate healthcare services for the community. The severe staff shortage at the Kodaikanal GH raises serious concerns about access to healthcare in the region.
First Piper 