PHC in Tiruvannamalai gets hi-tech makeover

The PHC was renovated at a cost of Rs 68 lakh, incorporating the best practices witnessed by Collector KS Kandasamy in Australian facilities during his visit. The facility now has a herbal garden and pebble laid walking path in addition to high-tech facilities.

Right at the entrance, all patient details are computerised and undertaken online. The visitors’ lounge is spacious, and has a TV to enable a pleasant wait for patients.

“Patients are provided colour coded tokens, which allows them direct access to the required departments, including pharmacy where their details on the computer ensure that their requirements are met without having to do much talking,” explained Collector Kandasamy.

Caretakers on the premises ensure that patients are taken to the concerned department. “The patients need to drop him/her at the hospital and the staff will do the rest. When treatment is over, relatives are asked over phone to come and pick up the patient,” Kandasamy added.

The PHC also has a separate facility for attendants in case of deliveries, officials added.

The hospital has two security staff and separate parking facilities for two and four wheelers. “Initially, visitors refused to use the parking facility fearing theft. So we fenced the entire area and ensured that entry and exit were through only one point. When visitors saw this, they voluntarily started parking their vehicles in the new lot,” said Kandasamy.

A modern, solar powered bus stop has also been provided, officials said.

On seeing the superior facilities, a food supplier volunteered to operate the hospital canteen with quality food too.