No cuts to health sector funds: Kerala minister

KERALA FINANCE MINISTER K.N. Balagopal on Monday dismissed reports of funding cuts to the public health sector after a political row erupted over a senior government doctor's revelations about a shortage of surgical equipment and delays in procedures at the state-run Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital.

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

"Not a single rupee has been cut from hospital- or patient-related expenditure," Balagopal said in a Facebook post, adding that treasury restrictions usually do not apply to health spending.

The opposition Congress-led UDF had strongly criticised the health department after Dr Haris Chirakkal, head of the urology department, flagged shortages of essential medical equipment and delays in surgeries. The UDF also announced plans to appoint a commission to study the health sector and organise a conclave.