NewKerala.com

Key Points

Kerala's opposition leader VD Satheesan has compared the state's public health system to a patient on life support following shocking equipment shortage revelations. A senior urology professor's social media post about postponed surgeries sparked fresh political outrage over systemic failures. The Congress leader accused Health Minister Veena George of repeatedly dismissing opposition warnings about medicine and equipment shortages. The UDF has formed a health commission to investigate and will hold a public conclave next month to amplify these concerns.

Key Points: VD Satheesan Says Kerala Public Health on Ventilator After Doctor's Revelations

  • Urology head Harris Chirakkal exposed surgery delays due to equipment shortages
  • Satheesan blames Health Minister Veena George for ignoring warnings
  • Opposition cites Rs 300 crore health budget cuts by Finance Minister
  • UDF forms health commission to document systemic failures
2 min read

Kerala's Public health sector on 'ventilator support': VD Satheesan

Kerala opposition leader VD Satheesan slams Pinarayi government over medical equipment shortages after shocking revelations by Thiruvananthapuram doctor.

"The public health sector in Kerala is on ventilator support - VD Satheesan"

Kochi, June 29

Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly V. D. Satheesan on Sunday said that recent revelations by a senior doctor on the shortage of surgical equipment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital have confirmed the concerns repeatedly raised by the opposition about Kerala's public health sector.

Harris Chirakkal, head of the Department of Urology at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, alleged in a social media post on Saturday that surgeries were being postponed due to the lack of necessary equipment.

Chirakkal's statement triggered strong political reactions.

Addressing the media in Paravur, Ernakulam district, Satheesan said, "The public health sector in Kerala is on ventilator support. The disclosures by Harris Chirakkal about the shortage of surgical equipment and the delay in surgeries at a government-run hospital are shocking."

He said this was not an isolated issue affecting a single department or hospital.

"The situation is the same in government hospitals across the state. The opposition has been repeatedly highlighting the shortage of medicines and surgical equipment. We raised this issue in the Assembly in January 2024 and March 2025. Each time, Health Minister Veena George ridiculed our concerns," Satheesan said.

He criticised the Health Minister's response to the latest controversy, saying, "Once again, she says she will seek a report. How many times has she made similar statements? If we compile all the reports she sought earlier, it would fill volumes."

Accusing the government of failing to implement welfare schemes such as the Karunya Benevolent Fund, Hrudyam, and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, Satheesan said the state's public healthcare system had collapsed.

"The government's public relations campaigns do not reflect the grim reality of the healthcare system," he said.

Satheesan alleged that dues to companies supplying medicines and equipment through the Kerala Medical Services Corporation have mounted to crores of rupees.

"Despite this, the state Finance Minister cut Rs 300 crore from the health sector's plan fund," he added, blaming the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government for "neglecting" the crucial sector.

The Congress leader announced that a health commission set up by the Congress-led UDF to study issues in the sector would begin work on Monday.

The commission, comprising public health experts, will prepare a report and submit it to the government.

He also said the opposition would organise a public health conclave in July to further highlight the issues.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who moved to Kerala last year, I'm disappointed. The medical college hospitals here were supposed to be among the best. If basic equipment is missing, how can doctors work? This needs immediate attention from the health ministry.
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Arjun K
While the criticism is valid, let's not forget Kerala still has better health indicators than most states. Yes there are problems, but calling it "on ventilator" seems like political exaggeration. We need constructive solutions, not just blame games.
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Priya S
The Karunya scheme was such a blessing for poor patients! If they're not implementing it properly, it's criminal. My neighbor couldn't get cancer treatment because the scheme wasn't working. Government should be ashamed! 😡
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Vikram M
Cutting ₹300 crore from health budget during pandemic recovery? Seriously? This shows where the government's priorities lie. Maybe they should reduce some unnecessary expenses in other departments first.
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Michael C
The health commission idea sounds promising. Hope it's not just another political tool. We need actual experts to diagnose the problems and suggest practical solutions. Kerala's health system is too valuable to lose.
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Ananya R
My father is a doctor in a govt hospital. He says

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