Coimbatore Medical College Hospital inaugurates pre-loved clothing outlet for patients

Helping Hearts NGO opens pre-loved clothing store at CMCH, providing free clothes to in-patients, promoting reuse and sustainability.

A pre-loved clothing store was inaugurated at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) on Friday, providing second-hand clothing in good condition to in-patients at no cost.

The initiative, established by Helping Hearts NGO with corporate social responsibility (CSR) support from Propel Industries Pvt Ltd, aims to foster a culture of reuse while supporting individuals in need. The facility was inaugurated by A. Nirmala, Dean of CMCH.

M. Ganesh, founder of Helping Hearts, said, “This is the first permanent pre-loved clothing outlet of its kind in the State, and clothing donations are collected from five designated points across the city and sent to a sorting facility in Krishnagiri, where items are screened, washed, ironed, and tailored if necessary. Clothes deemed unsuitable for reuse are sent for recycling, while those deemed suitable are distributed to patients. This initiative not only diverts textile waste from landfills, but also provides essential resources to individuals facing financial hardship. Additionally, we plan to distribute new clothing to 50 newborns each month at no cost, ensuring that at any given time, between 500 and 700 garments will be available at the facility.”

In addition to the permanent store, the NGO conducts monthly collection drives at corporate offices, gated communities, and educational institutions to raise awareness about sustainability and the benefits of donating pre-loved clothes. The NGO previously conducted clothing distribution camps in rural areas and has now established a permanent presence at CMCH.

The facility provides each in-patient with one set of clothing, with a six-month waiting period before they can receive additional garments.

Dr. Nirmala highlighted the practical importance of the initiative. “Patients often arrive in emergency situations with bloodstains or other contaminants on their clothing, making it difficult for paramedics and healthcare staff to attend to them effectively. This facility will address this challenge, particularly for patients who may not have attendants and who might need to stay for several days.”