Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Tuesday cautioned state-run hospitals against collecting money from poor patients for surgical equipment, stressing that such practices violate the LDF government’s policy of providing free treatment to the underprivileged.
Assembly Statement Amid Political Row
Speaking in the Assembly during question hour, the minister said the government would treat such incidents with “utmost seriousness.” Her remarks followed revelations by a senior doctor at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital about equipment shortages that had forced delays in surgeries.
Doctor’s Revelations Trigger Controversy
Dr. Haris Chirakkal, Head of the Urology Department, alleged in a Facebook post that patients were suffering due to a shortage of essential surgical equipment. He claimed doctors had been compelled to collect money from patients’ relatives to purchase tools for emergency procedures, as repeated assurances from authorities failed to resolve the crisis.
Expert Panel Findings
Referring to an expert panel’s inquiry, George confirmed that equipment for kidney stone procedures was bought after pooling money from patients. The panel recommended that such practices be discontinued and that departments facing shortages must immediately inform Medical College authorities instead of burdening patients.
Government’s Stand on Free Treatment
The minister reiterated that patients covered under the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) and other schemes are entitled to free care. She cited figures showing Rs 373.36 crore worth of free treatment provided under KASP and equipment worth Rs 81.82 crore ensured at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College alone during the present government’s tenure.
Opposition’s Sharp Criticism
Opposition leaders, however, dismissed George’s claims. Congress MLAs A.P. Anil Kumar and M. Vincent said the Health Department lacked leadership, while LoP V.D. Satheesan accused the government of forcing poor patients to buy even basic supplies like thread, needles, and cotton. He alleged that the health system’s failures were enabling exploitation by the private sector. George countered by challenging the Opposition to an open debate on the issue.
