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Kerala Kaumudi Online
Tuesday, 08 July 2025 3.55 AM IST

Health centres on the brink: No funds for renovation of dilapidated buildings

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As Kerala mourns the tragic death of Bindu in the Kottayam Medical College building collapse, many government hospital buildings across the state remain in a hazardous condition, raising serious safety concerns. The responsibility for repairs lies with hospital development societies chaired by the respective district collectors, but the lack of funds is the major hurdle.

Some of the hospitals that are in critical condition include Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha General Hospitals, Malappuram Government Taluk Hospital, Kannur District Hospital and Kasaragod District TB Centre. These include active buildings housing outpatient blocks, diagnostic rooms, and patient wards—many of which are visibly deteriorating, with cracked concrete and roof leaks.

There is no robust system to assess structural integrity. Some hospitals still operate out of buildings constructed during the royal era. The Public Works Department (PWD) is responsible for checking structural strength and carrying out maintenance. However, inspections only happen when institution heads request it, and even then, repairs require funding—which is often unavailable, leaving hospital authorities unwilling or unable to take the initiative.

Hospital development societies function using hospital revenue, which often barely covers the salaries of staff, leaving no surplus for repairs. Without government aid, essential maintenance remains stalled.

Hospital safety plan – In progress
On May 21, a high-level meeting chaired by Health Minister Veena George decided to create a comprehensive hospital safety plan in collaboration with the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Guidelines and framework were prepared, and in a follow-up meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary on June 26, funds were allocated for the initial phase. The goal is to strengthen safety infrastructure in all healthcare institutions by August. However, the Kottayam tragedy occurred in the midst of these preparations.

New buildings constructed, but old ones remain
While the first and second Pinarayi Vijayan governments have built numerous new health facilities—from primary health centers to medical colleges—with modern amenities, many unused and dilapidated buildings have not been demolished. Demolishing a building involves many bureaucratic hurdles. Tenders must be floated not only for demolition but also for auctioning materials like doors and windows. The law requires a minimum of three contractors to participate for any further action to be taken.

Survey of weak buildings
A decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Minister Veena George to collect data on structurally weak buildings. The assessment is being carried out for buildings under the Directorate of Health Services and the Directorate of Medical Education. Heads of institutions have been instructed to submit their reports to the department heads by today before noon.

The reports must include issues such as roof leaks, major cracks, and structural disintegration. Additionally, it should be specified whether patients are currently being housed in buildings marked for demolition and whether demolition is being delayed due to issues such as tender procedures or other related complications.

Total health institutions: 1,280
Under Directorate of Health Services: 1,148
Under Medical Education Department: 132

“For the first time in history, safety and fire audits have been conducted in hospitals. We also organised mock drills with the police and the fire force. Follow-up action will be expedited.”
— Minister Veena George

TAGS: HEALTH CENTRES, KERALA, HOSPITALS
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