Health Dept Defends Stanley Hospital Worker After Viral Video Shows Eggs Dropped on Beds

A 40-second video showing a worker at Govt Stanley Hospital dropping boiled eggs onto patients' beds went viral on Wednesday, prompting Tamil Nadu health authorities to defend the employee and allege that the video was circulated with malicious intent.

The footage showed the hospital worker placing boiled eggs directly near patients, including one beside a plastered arm and another near a patient's leg.

Addressing reporters on Thursday, Health Minister K G Arunraj defended the worker, describing the staff member as sincere and noting that the egg's shell remained unbroken when placed on the bed. Arunraj said that during the departmental inquiry, the employee explained that the patient had requested the food be left on the bed because no attendants were present.

According to the health minister, an inquiry was launched immediately after the video surfaced online. The probe revealed that the video had been recorded nearly five months prior. Officials claimed the individual who filmed the interaction had demanded Rs 20,000 from the worker and released the video online only after the employee refused to pay.

The minister's statements were based on an inquiry report submitted by hospital dean Dr A Aravind, following an internal investigation carried out by the heads of the plastic surgery, neurology, and orthopaedics departments.