Spike in blood pressure, experienced discomfort during journey; minister Veena George admitted to hospital

KOLLAM: Health Minister Veena George has been admitted to the Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital following a spike in blood pressure. According to sources, the minister experienced physical discomfort during her journey to Thiruvananthapuram, prompting immediate medical attention. The minister was administered an IV drip soon after she was admitted to the hospital. Hospital authorities stated that the minister would be discharged within half an hour.

The hospitalisation comes at a time when the minister is facing sharp criticism over the recent tragedy at Kottayam Medical College Hospital, where a dilapidated building collapsed, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old woman.

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan demanded Minister Veena George’s resignation, alleging that she was directly responsible for obstructing rescue efforts. "The Health Minister, along with the Cooperation Minister, arrived at the site and officially declared that the collapsed building was not in use and that no one was trapped inside. This delayed critical rescue operations and ultimately cost a life," Satheesan said.

He further criticised the minister for relying on pre-written narratives instead of addressing the ground reality. "The minister’s only job seems to be repeating the script handed to her. She must take moral responsibility for the death and step down immediately," he added.