Tension prevailed in Pallikaranai on Friday when as many as 500 women gheraoed a team of medical officers who had come to look into certain irregularities by village health nurses.
The protesters alleged that most of the pregnant women were treated badly by the nurses and were not given the government aid allotted as maternity benefits for the past 10 years.
There are about 1,500 families in Mylai Balaji Nagar in Pallikaranai. As there is no proper hospital in the area, the residents have been going to the Medavakkam primary health centre (PHC) for treatment.
The women in the area claim that for the past 10 years, they have not been given proper maternity treatment and no vaccination has been provided to pregnant women.
“The nurses treat us badly and are always rude to us. No amount of petitions to the authorities have brought us relief,” lamented Kannagi, a resident.
Based on a complaint by Amala Arunkumar, a resident, the block medical officer from Medavakkam PHC was asked to go with his team to look into the allegations.
However, more than 500 women from Mylai Balaji Nagar and women welfare committees surrounded the medical team and refused to let them go unless they promised relief.
“I have two daughters but I did not receive any financial aid from the government during my pregnancy. Attempts to avail it also did not pay off because the nurses demand a bribe to help us get the aid,” said Manimegalai, another resident.
The situation was brought under control when corporation councillor Paneer Das arrived at the spot and pacified the women and the medical team took their complaints in writing.
“We heard about the allegations by the Mylai Balaji Nagar residents and we have asked the BDO to look into it. Once they submit the report, we will initiate action if the allegations are true,” said the deputy director for PHCs, Dr. Rajasekar.