The National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) team from the Union Ministry of Health visited the Chalakudy Taluk Hospital on July 30, 31 and August 1. The team was impressed by the quality, service and hygiene maintained by the 125-year-old hospital, which had already secured State quality accreditation.
Exactly two weeks later, the devastating floods damaged everything. The floodwaters submerged the entire hospital, depositing mud and slush everywhere, even in the ICU and dialysis units. Beds, cots, and medical equipment had to be replaced. Medicines worth ₹1.5 crore in the pharmacy were destroyed. Water surged into the dialysis unit damaging equipment worth crores of rupees. The mortuary too was under water. The hospital suffered a loss of more than ₹22 crore.
More than 1,000 patients used to visit the hospital daily. People even from the Adivasi hamlets of Athirappilly and Vazhachal depended upon the hospital.
“Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda who visited the hospital was convinced about the damage. He has offered support of the Centre. The NQAS certification will be a huge support for us to rebuild the hospital,” said hospital superintendent Dr. M.G. Sivadas.
“We are confident that with support from the State and Union governments and with well-wishers, the hospital will soon regain the glory,” Dr. Sivadas said.