Four-member panel to probe doctor's charges on hospital equipment
Thiruvananthapuram: Health minister Veena George on Sunday sought to downplay the row over a senior govt doctor's disclosure about issues at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital.
She said the doctor, Dr Haris Chirakkal, head of the urology department, pointed out systemic lapses that led to a crisis at the hospital, and they would be thoroughly examined. The govt has appointed a four-member committee headed by Dr Padmakumar, principal, Alappuzha Medical College, to probe the allegations levelled by Dr Chirakkal. It has been asked to submit its report at the earliest.
The doctor had highlighted the shortage of surgical equipment and the subsequent delays in surgeries at the hospital in a Facebook post, which he deleted later.
The minister refrained from criticising Dr Chirakkal and described him as a hardworking and trustworthy medical professional.
On Saturday, both the minister and the director of medical education were reportedly irked by the doctor's social media outburst about the sad state of affairs at the hospital.
She said the concerns raised by the doctor reflected systemic issues within the healthcare infrastructure. "He only pointed out lapses in the system, which will be rectified.
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For this, a report has been sought, and steps will be taken based on it," she said. George, however, cautioned against maligning the entire healthcare system. "Dr Chirakkal is an honest, diligent and sincere doctor... Our hospitals have a high number of patients, and there are issues owing to that.
The govt is trying to solve problems and change the entire system," she said.
Pointing out that while 2.5 lakh patients availed free treatment in 2021, she said the number now rose to 6.5 lakh.
Acknowledging procedural delays in procuring medical equipment for govt hospitals and medical colleges, the minister said such rules should be relaxed if necessary. "There should be no delay in procuring equipment. We will examine whether such delays occurred in this case," she said. George earlier announced a comprehensive probe into Dr Chirakkal's revelations.
However, even on Sunday, Dr Chirakkal stuck to concerns he raised about the hospital.
He said the health minister's office was informed about the treatment crisis and lack of patient care due to equipment shortage. "The equipment shortage was reported to both the superintendent and principal. There are issues in all departments. Information was given to the health minister's office a year ago. The health minister's private secretary was informed in person, along with the former principal.
Since then, no one discussed the issue.
Despite informing about many issues, nothing changed," he said.
He said the problems faced by patients were his main concern. "Many are waiting for surgeries, and often patients themselves have to procure the necessary equipment. There is a struggle for surgical tools and facilities. A letter was sent in March regarding this crisis, warning that surgeries would be disrupted, but no action was taken," he said.
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