A recent Times Of India report has shed light on a deeply entrenched issue of systemic corruption within government hospitals across Tamil Nadu, particularly in Chennai. Shocking revelations show that hospital staff at a Chennai government facility for women and children routinely demand bribes for basic services that should be provided free of cost – perfect example of the infamous Dravidian model.
From assisting in childbirth to cleaning and transferring newborns, workers are reportedly soliciting payments ranging from ₹500 to ₹3,000. Families, already in distress during vulnerable moments, find themselves being pressured into paying for care that should come with empathy—not a price tag.
One such case involved Karthiga, a woman admitted for delivery who gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Her joy was short-lived. Moments after her delivery, two ward boys approached her family demanding ₹3,000 each to transfer her and her child. Fearful of potential neglect or mistreatment, her relatives reluctantly paid. By the time she was discharged, her family had spent nearly ₹10,000 in bribes.
“Everyone from the watchman to ward boys and cleaning staff expect money,” said Karthiga. “The doctors don’t ask directly, but they are well aware of what’s happening. They choose to turn a blind eye.”
Hospital administrators admit they are aware of the issue but claim they have limited power to stop it. “We instruct staff not to ask for money,” said Dr. Sangeetha, a resident paramedical officer. “But complaints continue to surface.” Surveillance cameras have been installed, yet identifying culprits has proven difficult, she said.
Relatives of patients echo similar experiences. Ramani, waiting for her daughter’s delivery, said, “Even a simple request like helping a woman change clothes in the labor room comes with a price tag. Nothing works here without paying someone off.”
Bribes reportedly range from as little as ₹50 for minor errands to ₹500 or more for moving patients or arranging scans. Families that resist payment often face mistreatment, verbal abuse, or are denied access during visiting hours. Anbuchelvi, a grandmother in her 60s, said she waited over 14 hours just to see her grandchild.
This situation raises a pressing question: Should families turning to government-run hospitals—meant to serve the poor and vulnerable be coerced into paying bribes for services that are supposed to be free? The answer is clear, and it calls for immediate and decisive action from the authorities.
Bribes for Birth in TN govt hospital‼️
Staff in Chennai govt hospital for women and children demand money for doing their duties. Staff are demanding bribes for everything — from assisting deliveries to cleaning newborns and shifting them ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 3,000 per… pic.twitter.com/7VC26KOtTJ
— Omjasvin M D (@omjasvinMD) June 14, 2025
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