Four staff members of the Government Hospital in Srirangam were transferred to other hospitals, and one staff member was placed under suspension on Saturday following allegations that they collected money from patients at the hospital.

R. Saravanan, who was working under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), was placed under suspension. A woman sanitation worker was transferred to the Thuraiyur Government Hospital, another woman worker was transferred to the Thottiyam Government Hospital, and an attender was transferred to the Manapparai Government Hospital.

The action was taken after complaints from the public prompted a surprise inspection by S. Ramesh on Friday. During the inspection, the issue reportedly came to light and was subsequently brought to the attention of the health authorities.

Patients alleged that money was being collected for providing wheelchair assistance at the hospital.