Coimbatore Medical College Hospital Upgrades Infrastructure with New Connectivity and Drainage Projects
In a significant move to bolster healthcare infrastructure, the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) is currently undertaking two major construction projects aimed at improving patient care and facility management. The initiatives include building a connecting carriage between hospital blocks and laying concrete approach roads with integrated storm water drainage systems.
New Connecting Carriage to Streamline Patient Transfer
A key component of the upgrade is the construction of a connecting carriage linking the JICA multi-speciality block to tower two at the hospital. This project, with an estimated cost of Rs 1.67 crore, is designed to facilitate easier and more efficient movement of patients between the buildings.
CMCH Dean Dr M Geethanjali explained the current challenges, stating, "Patients in the JICA building currently need to descend to the ground floor to access tower two, which complicates the process for helpers transferring patients between blocks. Once the carriage is operational, it will connect the second floor of the JICA building directly to tower two."
She further highlighted that tower one is already connected to tower two in a similar manner, meaning all three major blocks will be interconnected upon completion. This enhancement is expected to significantly reduce transit times and improve overall patient handling during medical transfers.
Road and Drainage Improvements to Combat Water Stagnation
Simultaneously, work on laying concrete approach roads along with provisions for storm water drains (SWD) is nearing completion at a total cost of Rs 9.6 crore. This project addresses long-standing issues of drainage stagnation and rainwater inundation on the hospital premises during monsoon seasons.
The hospital's existing roads have suffered damage over time, and the lack of a proper SWD system has led to persistent water logging problems. Dr Geethanjali provided details on the ongoing efforts, noting, "Base work for the road laying has been completed. The new concrete roads are being elevated by at least one foot to prevent stagnation, and trenches are being constructed to channel rainwater into the simultaneously built SWD."
Additionally, drainage from individual buildings on the campus has already been connected to the underground drainage system of the local corporation. These measures are anticipated to effectively resolve inundation and stagnation issues before the next monsoon season.
Funding and Project Timeline
The infrastructure enhancements trace back to funding announcements made by Chief Minister M K Stalin in 2024, during the inauguration of the multi-speciality block. The allocation included provisions for connecting carriages between blocks to aid in patient transfer. Construction activities commenced towards the end of 2025.
Specific funding sources have been allocated for each project:
- The connecting carriage is being financed through the MLA fund of Amman K Arjunan, the Coimbatore North MLA.
- The road and SWD project is being executed using funds from the Tamil Nadu Health System Reform Programme.
These coordinated efforts underscore a comprehensive approach to upgrading CMCH's facilities, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and patient comfort through improved connectivity and infrastructure resilience.
