Crisis at Sree Chitra must be resolved

Sree Chitra Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology is one of the world’s premier institutions for medical research and healthcare. It is also a hospital that provides free treatment for the underprivileged. The institute has contributed numerous revolutionary inventions and devices to modern medicine, particularly in reducing the cost of cardiac treatments. Every Keralite can take pride in the growth and reputation of this institution. At the same time, it is no secret that external forces with commercial interests in the medical field have, at times, attempted to hinder the institute's progress.

The recent news that surgeries under the Interventional Radiology Department at Sree Chitra may come to a halt due to a shortage of equipment is alarming. The hospital has already postponed 15 surgeries scheduled over three days and informed the patients accordingly. Sree Chitra typically admits only critically ill patients, and admission is granted only after long periods of registration and waiting. Postponing surgeries for such patients could pose a serious threat to their lives. Many of them, being economically disadvantaged, cannot afford expensive treatments at private hospitals. There are no alternatives for these patients but to wait until the shortage of equipment is resolved.

Some patients who were admitted for emergency surgeries have already begun to be discharged. Despite repeated requests from doctors, companies have refused to supply the required equipment. It is imperative that the concerned authorities intervene immediately and take urgent steps to resolve the crisis. Since 2023, the institute has not renewed its contracts with the companies supplying surgical materials. So far, these companies had been providing the materials at old rates. It is understood that due to an increase in the cost of imported materials, the companies are now unwilling to continue at the previous rates.

According to central government directives, surgical materials must be procured exclusively through the GEM (Government e-Marketplace) portal. If this policy continues, it may become difficult to obtain the foreign-made equipment essential for radiology procedures. The public expects the authorities to recognise the special circumstances and take appropriate steps to address the crisis. Recently, even a three-year-old girl who had been admitted for surgery due to a brain aneurysm had to be discharged due to the equipment shortage. As an institution that receives substantial central support, Sree Chitra must either renegotiate contracts if the suppliers’ demands are reasonable or seek alternative ways to address the equipment shortage. Using technical issues as an excuse to risk patients’ lives is simply unacceptable.