Equipment shortage sparks probe

A senior government doctor's disclosure regarding a shortage of surgical equipment and delays in surgeries at the state-run Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital has triggered a controversy in Kerala, prompting the Health Department to order an inquiry.

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Haris Chirakkal, head of the Urology Department, had highlighted the issue in a strongly worded Facebook post, which he later deleted. However, speaking to reporters Sunday, he maintained that his concerns were valid.

“What I said was the truth. I won't hide after speaking the truth. There are no political motives behind my disclosure,” he said. Chirakkal said he had repeatedly raised the matter with senior officials, including the medical college principal and hospital superintendent, but no action was taken.

Although he does not have direct access to Health Minister Veena George, he said he had informed the minister's office about the difficulties faced by his department and the hospital in general. “There are issues across all departments, but no one speaks up out of fear. Many times, surgeries were carried out only after patients purchased the necessary equipment themselves,” he said.