Sivaganga (Tamil Nadu), Oct 22 Senior Congress leader and RS member P Chidambaram announced on Thursday an allocation of Rs 2 crore from his MPLAD funds to equip a new Cath lab at the Sivaganga Government Hospital.
Addressing a press briefing to detail the utilisation of his constituency funds, the former union minister also dispelled media claims that he had conducted an official audit of the local healthcare facility.
“A newspaper reported that I inspected the general hospital. I did no such inspection. I went there to ask what their requirements were and only sat in the Dean’s room,” Chidambaram clarified.
Following discussions with the hospital’s Dean and the District Collector, he said three urgent requirements were identified: a Cath lab for angiograms, a dedicated ambulance, and a waiting shelter for patients and their attendees.
Acting on the request, Chidambaram said he immediately approved the medical equipment.
“They said it would cost Rs 4 crore — Rs 2 crore for the building and Rs 2 crore for the equipment. I am giving Rs 2 crore from the MP funds for the equipment. I told them to construct the building from government funds,” he stated.
He added that the ambulance would be funded once formal quotations are received, while the waiting shelter is being deferred to next year’s budget.
Detailing broader constituency development, the Rajya Sabha member noted that six infrastructure projects are currently nearing completion in the district, 14 are underway and expected to open early next year, and 12 new requests are currently being processed for tenders.
(PTI News)
