Parassala: Public anger is mounting over the continued closure of the 50-bed inpatient building at the Chenkal Family Health Centre, which functions under the Health Department. The centre began operations 25 years ago, following a long-standing demand from local residents.

In 2012, a two-storey geriatric ward with 50 beds was built, partly funded through public contributions. With the government sanctioning four additional doctors and support staff, the Chenkal Primary Health Centre soon grew into a major healthcare facility in the region. At its peak, the outpatient department (OP) attended to around 500 patients a day, and all 50 beds were occupied.

However, the hospital gradually fell into neglect as both the panchayat and Health Department withdrew attention and resources. The additional doctors and staff were reassigned, and the OP wing was eventually shut down. Over time, the cots and equipment deteriorated, and the building itself slipped into disrepair due to lack of maintenance. The centre’s only ambulance is also out of service.

The only visible change in recent years has been the replacement of the signboard, officially upgrading the facility from a Primary Health Centre to a Family Health Centre (FHC). A long-defunct laboratory has been shifted to the ground floor of the inpatient block.

Currently, the neglected OP section serves only around 150 patients a day. With no other hospital nearby, residents say they are facing severe hardships. Dr Apsa, the medical officer at the FHC, said Family Health Centres generally do not operate OP wings and require special permission from the Health Department to do so.