The Hindu : Infrastructure, support services must be enhanced

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jun 08, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Infrastructure, support services must be enhanced

By V. Jayanth

CHENNAI June 7. Chennai and perhaps Tamil Nadu itself have emerged as a `hub' for both health services and the education sector. But given the growing competition from other States, it may be time for Tamil Nadu to not only `market' its strengths afresh but also enhance the supporting infrastructure to stay at the top.

For many years now, Tamil Nadu, particularly Chennai, has been a `chosen destination' for medical treatment. Hospital authorities here say there has been a regular flow of patients from not just other States, but even many neighbouring countries.

Patients from east and northeast have always made a beeline for Chennai for treatment - of a host of ailments. The Tamil Nadu capital has earned a special place in the treatment of cardio-vascular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer and problems covered by ophthalmology, orthopaedics, neurology, urology and a few other areas.

Similarly, over the years, patients from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and some of the West Asian countries have chosen Chennai as the `centre of excellence and referral treatment' - they continue to do so.

The Cancer Institute at Adyar, founded by the Women's India Association, thanks to the foresight of Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy and her friends, towers high among the medical institutions in the region. For decades now, patients from far and near, have come there for treatment of different types of cancer. Andhra Pradesh perhaps retains the dubious distinction of sending an unending train of patients and is also providing the donors to enhance facilities. More by word of mouth, this institute has acquired a reputation of its own and continues to attract patients from different States.

Doctors here say there are ``seasonal shifts in medicare'' in Chennai and there have been ``seasons'' for particular specialities or hospitals. But the flow of patients continues unabated. It has reached a stage where some of the premier institutions have begun to collaborate, provide technical assistance or even set up branches in other States to cater for the growing number of patients.

The Sankara Nethralaya, for instance, has a national presence in ophthalmology. When Presidents of India choose to come here for surgery or treatment, why should the others hesitate, ask the doctors. According to Dr. Surendran, ``two-thirds of our patients are from other States and even other countries. We have provided technical assistance to institutions in Guwahati, Maharashtra and Kolkata''.

Another leading institution and pioneer in corporate healthcare, Apollo Hospitals, caters for almost every speciality. It has also branched out to other regions and last year, launched a hospital in Colombo, from where it has enjoyed ``considerable patronage'' over the years. Despite its multispeciality approach and care, the hospital records a steady and, at times, extraordinary flow of heart patients. In recent years, other cardiovascular institutions have emerged and attracted other patients too.

Similarly, in education, Tamil Nadu has emerged as a leading `service provider'. Though Karnataka enjoyed an early lead, particularly in professional education, Tamil Nadu has stolen a march on it in recent years with the rapid spread of engineering and professional courses. Education authorities say parents opt to send their wards here not just for admission to professional courses but also to reputed arts and science colleges. Kerala and Andhra Pradesh are identified as major centres from where students come here. Enquiries with the Education department show that students from Sri Lanka, Nepal and Mauritius, in addition to some South African countries, have traditionally chosen to study here.

There was a special reservation for students from Sri Lanka, in view of the traditional, neighbourly ties and refugee influx from 1983.

Education providers and officials say that all along it has been a ``private sector initiative'' and for the State to retain this pre-eminence as a `hub', the private sector must step in to provide the infrastructure and support services also. For instance, there is a demand for `temporary housing' from families of patients who have to stay here for weeks.

Similarly, there is a growing demand for student hostels.

The only point officials and the police make is that ``This must be genuine, even if it is commercial. We do not want them to become traps and crime centres''.

Some of the other services needed relate to transport and communication, `affordable' amusement centres and organised tourist packages.

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