Veena George on alleged surgical equipment shortage at TVM Medical College
The Kerala Health Minister stated that a delay in a single surgical procedure due to a technical fault had been reported, and not a large-scale disruption as alleged.
Pathanamthitta: Kerala Health Minister Veena George has directed a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations made by Dr Harris Chirakkal regarding a crisis at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. The minister clarified that no formal complaint on the matter has yet been received by the government.
Addressing the media, Minister George stated that a delay in a single surgical procedure due to a technical fault had been reported, and not a large-scale disruption as alleged. “Upon learning about the issue, I immediately asked the Director of Medical Education (DME) to submit a report. The claim that hundreds of surgeries were cancelled is a serious one,” she said.
The minister added that the investigation would cover all relevant details, including the number of surgeries scheduled, how many were actually performed, and data from the current and previous months. “We need to examine whether similar disruptions have occurred during this period, and why the DME did not report it to the Additional Chief Secretary. The DME has now shared the necessary information, and there is no record of any such major incident. However, if there has been any lapse, it will be thoroughly investigated,” she added.
According to DME Dr Viswanathan, typically four surgeries are scheduled daily. On the day in question, three were planned but only two could be performed due to equipment malfunction. “There is no other issue that has come to my notice. This matter has not officially reached either the government or the DME,” he stated.
Minister Veena George reiterated the government’s commitment to patient welfare. “As far as the government is concerned, every individual matters. I intend to visit the medical college myself when I reach Thiruvananthapuram and would be happy for the media to accompany me,” she said.
She further noted that over ₹700 crore has been allocated to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College under the KIIFB project, funding new facilities including a modern MRI unit, CT scanner, and significant upgrades to the urology department.
“The matter will be properly investigated, and only then will I comment further. When I arrive in Thiruvananthapuram, we can all visit the facility together,” the minister said, concluding her remarks.
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.
link
