The Hindu : Front Page : Stanley Hospital circular on tout menace

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 25, 2007
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Stanley Hospital circular on tout menace

R. Sujatha

Outsiders are at the root of problem
Touts move around in hospital uniform

CHENNAI: The Government Stanley Hospital has issued an internal circular asking all department heads to remain vigilant against touts who demand money from patients promising immediate treatment.

Hospital Dean Mushtaq Ahmed Khan said the circular was an attempt at scotching rumours that the hospital staffers were taking money.

It followed inquiries with staff members during which the hospital authorities came to know that some outsiders were at the root of the problem.

The hospital is known for its expertise in the fields of hand reconstructive surgery and gastroenterology.

The touts wore uniforms similar to that of the staff and moved among patients in wards, promising them treatment on payment of money, he said. A few touts were recently caught red-handed by the police, stationed in the hospital.

Dr. Khan said, “Since, these people [touts] return to the hospital after a few days … the police have been instructed to take legal action if such a matter comes to light next time.” The hospital proposed to issue new identity cards to its staff and doctors as the existing ones could be easily duplicated. Some months ago, the Government General Hospital had put up a notice board cautioning visitors against giving bribes and warned of strict action against those accepting them. The move followed media reports about patients and their families being fleeced.

Besides the tout menace, belongings of visitors and patients of the government hospitals were being stolen.

Police outposts

Though police outposts at the hospitals can register such complaints, few people make use of the facility.

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