Chennai Government Hospitals Violate Color-Coded Linen Protocol, Exposing Hygiene Failures
Government hospitals in Chennai are systematically flouting a crucial two-year-old housekeeping protocol that mandates the use of color-coded linens to uphold hygiene standards. This alarming deviation, driven by multiple factors, highlights significant administrative lapses and safety concerns within the sterile and high-traffic units of medical colleges and hospitals across the city.
Funding vs. Implementation: A Stark Contrast
Despite the Tamil Nadu government allocating fresh state funding of up to 5 lakh rupees for each of these institutions in 2025, enforcement remains woefully inadequate. This gap between financial support and on-ground execution underscores deeper systemic issues in hospital management.
Infection Risks Amplified by Poor Linen Practices
The poor enforcement of the color-coded linen protocol poses a severe risk of infection for patients. Unchanged or inadequately washed sheets can harbour harmful bacteria, creating a breeding ground for pathogens. Studies indicate that reusing fabrics in such conditions can increase surgical site infections in recovery wards by a staggering 20-30%, putting vulnerable patients in jeopardy.
Real-World Challenges: Fading Colors and Mix-Ups
At the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, which handles up to 3,500 inpatients daily, nurses report practical difficulties with the protocol. Colors, particularly maroon, tend to blur after repeated laundering, leading to confusion and mix-ups. A nurse from a female general medicine ward in Tower 1 explained on January 21, "Pink is designated for Mondays, and maroon for Wednesdays. However, after multiple washes, both colors appear nearly identical, making it hard to distinguish them."
Inconsistent Implementation Across Hospitals
Although the health department has issued a common schedule for color-coded linens, implementation varies wildly from one hospital to another. For instance, the Tamil Nadu Government Multi-super Speciality Hospital in Omandurar Estate uses leaf green on Wednesdays, but staff members reveal that shortages often force them to resort to yellow or old linen. A sanitation staff member disclosed, "We did not receive the linen sent for washing last week, so we used Thursday's color, yellow, on Wednesday. Delays in laundry services occur at least once a week, leading us to rely on old linen."
Administrative Responses and Future Plans
In response to these challenges, Dr. K. Shantharam, the dean of Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, announced that the hospital is planning to establish an in-house dyeing unit to address the confusion caused by fading colors. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation noted that most hospitals have not placed orders for new linens despite the budget allocation. Swarnam Amudha, GM (Equipment) at TNMSC, speculated, "We suspect others may be sourcing linen directly from vendors, bypassing standardized procedures."
Broader Implications for Public Health
This ongoing neglect of the color-coded linen protocol not only compromises patient safety but also reflects broader issues in healthcare administration. With Chennai's hospitals serving thousands daily, ensuring strict adherence to hygiene protocols is paramount to prevent outbreaks and maintain trust in public health systems.
