In incidents which evoked strong criticism, a couple of office-bearers of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Wednesday undertook unauthorised “inspections” at a government hospital in and Amma Unavagam in Tenkasi district. Government officials expressed resentment and said that persons, who did not hold elected posts, were seeking to exert authority.

A woman Vasudevi, attached to the TVK’s medical wing, had gone on an “inspection” to the Government Hospital at Sankarankovil on Tuesday. Sources said a migrant labourer’s right hand was crushed in a stone quarry and he was initially taken to the Sankarankovil Government Hospital. His hand had to be amputated and put in an ice bag before he was referred to the Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital (TVMCH) for further treatment.

Following this incident Ms. Vasudevi wearing a white coat, visited the Sankarankovil Government Hospital and “discussed” with the doctors about the patient, and facilities available in the hospital.

Her act attracted criticism from DMK functionaries and officials. Reacting to it, she posted a video on social media, admitting she was not a doctor. “I am a nurse with 15 years of clinical experience. As a healthcare professional, I visited the hospital to understand the available facilities so that I can submit suggestions to the Health Minister to improve facilities for treatment. I did not inspect the hospital,” she claimed.

In another incident, TVK district secretary Niyaz inspected the ‘Amma Unavagam’ in Kadayanallur on Tuesday after Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay instructed the officials to renovate these canteens and ensure the serving of quality food.

After tasting the dishes being served in this canteen, Mr. Niyaz asked the personnel manning the ‘Amma Unavagam’ to keep the eatery clean and tidy.

He also met the Commissioner of Kadayanallur Municipality and asked her to extend all help to make the ‘Amma Unavagam’ the best place for serving quality food to the poor.

Officials, privately, questioned how such unauthorised persons could be allowed to give them instructions or inspect facilities.

“We cannot take instructions from TVK members on how to discharge our duties. I am discussing this issue with our office-bearers of Tenkasi district,” said Subbu, Tirunelveli district president of Tamil Nadu Government Employees’ Association.

Reacting strongly, AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran in a statement, accused the TVK members of overstepping their limits in the name of inspections at government offices and hospitals. This was misuse of power by ruling party members and deserved strong condemnation, he said while urging the Chief Minister to nip such actions in the bud.