Dilapidated health centre in Kesampatti forces medical care to community hall

In Kesampatti village of Melur taluk, a vital rural health centre is falling apart. Once a lifeline for seven villages, the building is now so dangerous that medical services have been forced to function at a temporary community hall for more than eight months. This decay has left local families struggling to access basic healthcare.

Fearing a potential disaster due to the crumbling ceiling and cracked walls of the original building, authorities moved the healthcare operations to the Kesampatti Community Hall several months ago, said the villagers.

While the move was intended as a temporary safety measure, the lack of a dedicated medical facility has created a logistical issue for the most vulnerable members of the community, said Jeeva, a resident of Kesampatti village.

“It is heartbreaking to see pregnant women and mothers with newborn infants struggling in a space that wasn’t built for medical care,” he added.

The makeshift arrangement at the community hall lacks the privacy and specialised infrastructure required for prenatal check ups and paediatric vaccinations.

Though the residents pointed out that multiple resolutions have been passed during Gram Sabha meetings, formally alerting the Tamil Nadu Health Department to the crisis, the pleas have seemingly fallen on deaf ears.

“Today, the original health centre site is a haunting sight. What was once a place of healing is now shrouded in dense thorny bushes and wild vegetation. The abandonment of the site has not only halted medical progress but has turned the government property into a breeding ground for pests,” Mr. Jeeva worried.

Through a petition, he said, they have made demands to raze the dilapidated structures to prevent any accidents. “Also, the government must sanction and begin the construction of a modern, fully-equipped Sub-Health Centre building and healthcare must be moved out of the community hall and back into a professional medical environment,” he noted.

“We are not asking for a luxury hospital we are asking for a safe roof over our heads when we seek basic medical help,” he stated.

District Health Officials said they were looking for a suitable location, once they earmark a place, it would soon be shifted.

“The state of the old building is uncertain. If funds are allocated, it would be renovated,” they added.