Medical equipment shortage at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital? Officials order probe

In a Facebook (Meta) post, a senior government doctor in Kerala disclosed the situation of the state-run Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. The claims have triggered a controversy in the state, with the Health department swiftly jumping in to order an inquiry. 

Haris Chirakkal, head of the Urology department, mentioned the shortage of surgical equipment and the delays in surgeries at the hospital.  "What I said was fact. I don't want to go into hiding after telling the truth. There are no political intentions behind my disclosure," said Dr Chirakkal. 

The doctor also stated that the matter was repeatedly raised with the senior officials, however, no action was taken. "There are issues in all departments. But no one is raising it out of fear. Many a time, the surgeries were performed after patients purchased medical equipment on their own based on our requests," the senior doctor said.

In the social media post that was deleted later, the doctor stated that many surgeries that were scheduled to be conducted, had to be postponed in recent times due to the medical equipment shortage issue. While people suffering from acute pain were waiting for timely treatment at the hospital, officials concerned showed little interest in resolving the issue, he alleged. 

Responding to the statements, State Health Minister Veena George said a comprehensive probe would be carried out into Dr Chirakkal's revelations. The minister also said that the issue had not been brought to her attention so far, and she now sought an immediate report from the authorities concerned.

Meanwhile, Dr Rosnara Begum, the state president of the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association (KGMCTA) came to the defence of Dr Chirrakal. "This is not an issue to be made controversial. Many doctors are not revealing the issues openly out of fear of disciplinary actions against them. Dr Chirakkal is not a person who works for personal gains. If any action is initiated against him, the Association will strongly intervene in the matter," she said, reported PTI. 

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