Dr Harris Chirakkal, Thiruvananthapuram MCH crisis whistleblower, to face action

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A decision was taken to initiate action against Dr Harris Chirakkal, the head of the urology department, who raised serious concerns regarding the unavailability of equipment in Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital.

Harris has been issued a show-cause notice. The action follows a report that the doctor's disclosure was a violation of service rules. The notice also states that Dr Harris tried to defame the government. Officials say that the show-cause notice is not a punitive measure but a part of the procedures. An explanation will be sought from the doctor. It is reported that further action will be taken if the explanation is deemed unsatisfactory.

Dr. Harris made a forthright revelation on the crisis ongoing in the Thiruvananthapuram Medical Colleges, which attracted attention. The protest of the popular doctor came after surgeries were repeatedly halted at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital due to a lack of equipment. 'Sack me, I am tired of this service.' He wrote on Facebook.

Harris decided to speak his mind through his social media page after getting fed up with the chronic bureaucracy that has plagued the function of the hospital. Dr Harris had pleaded with ministers and officials for so long to end the crisis in the hospital, but to no avail.

The Health Minister called Harris an honest doctor and instead blamed the system for the crisis. However, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan showed no mercy and severely criticised the doctor for openly expressing his qualms.