Defunct CCTV surveillance at Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital (TKGMCH) has become a major drawback in the facility’s security system. Doctors, staff and visitors stress the need for well connected security infrastructure at the hospital, for real-time surveillance and a reinforced security system.

The facility witnesses a daily influx of thousands of patients and visitors, but continues to suffer from poor surveillance infrastructure. Although security guards are deployed at several locations across the hospital, the absence of proper CCTV surveillance and monitoring has paved the path for many petty thieves, pickpockets and snatchers.

According to a police source from Thoothukudi south police station, the number of mobile theft and bike theft at the TKGMCH is significantly high, emphasising the need for proper CCTV surveillance system.

He added that mobile phone theft cases are reported on a daily basis and at least five bikes are stolen from the premises every week.

Around 150 cameras were installed at TKGMCH between 2012 and 2013 and they were revamped between the period 2017-2018. However,in the 2023 flood, the system completely collapsed and no immediate remedial measures were taken to repair or replace the cameras.

As Thoothukudi is considered as one of the highly volatile cities in the State, the CCTV surveillance cameras at the facility play a crucial role in preventing crimes and tracing the accused in many cases.

Speaking on this, an official from TKGMCH confirmed that the CCTV surveillance system got completely damaged in the 2023 floods, and cameras at different locations are currently non-functional. He added that tenders would be floated soon and measures will be taken to strengthen the CCTV surveillance system at the facility.