Technical committee to inspect facility; Vigilance probe likely into Kottayam surgical block construction

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister K Muraleedharan wrote to the Home Minister requesting a Vigilance inquiry into allegations surrounding the construction of the surgical block at the Kottayam Government Medical College, a project completed for Rs 270 crore.

In his letter to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, the minister called for a comprehensive investigation into irregularities, technical flaws, and financial improprieties related to the construction. Minister Muraleedharan also asked the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department to appoint a technical committee to inspect the facility and ensure its safety.

The objective of this directive is to assess the structural integrity of the building and identify any construction defects or shortcomings. The Additional Chief Secretary has been tasked with rectifying the deficiencies uncovered during the inspection and implementing necessary, urgent safety measures.

The previous government inaugurated the new surgical block on February 16, 2026. The fact that the ceiling collapsed multiple times within just a few months raised serious concerns.

In addition to the ceiling collapses, significant defects have been reported in the building's civil, plumbing, and electrical works. Was the construction carried out in compliance with technical standards? Were the necessary inspections and supervision in place to ensure the quality of the construction? Many such questions remain unanswered.