Work on the Mettupalayam Government Hospital new ward whose work was completed eight months ago is yet to be opened, allegedly owing to political confusion in the ruling party and the government. And people in the area are waiting to see if Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisamy, who is visiting Tirupur tomorrow will go to Mettupalayam to inaugurate the new ward, though local legislator OK Chinaraj rules this out. Though he adds that it would happen very soon.

The building which is to house the pediatric ward and an extension of labour ward has remained closed and according to Home Guards Company Commander M Jaikumar, people have been waiting for its opening. The condition of the new building which remains unused is now a den of shrubs and plants around, he added.

Chinaraj said, “We have requested for the minister’s time. Inauguration will be done in a week.” But he also ruled out a visit of the Chief Minister to Mettupalayam tomorrow.

CITU taluk secretary S Basha says it is the current political confusion in ruling party that has delayed the inauguration. “There are three factions in the ruling party now and they are yet to decide who should come and inaugurate the building. Moreover, there are other issues like the hospital having no police outpost. Also there is no security staff,” he said.

Chief Medical Officer Dr S Seralathan says the date for inauguration has to be decided by the Government. Regarding security issues, he said, “We are literally clueless about what can be done. Though there are CCTVs placed at different spots, theft attempts continue.”