'Puppet show' to hunt down Dr Harris flops; Shame on Health Ministry

Acts committed with bad intentions are destined to backfire with double force. The Medical College Superintendent and Principal concocted a 'box story' at the press conference with the evil intention of implicating Dr. Harris Chirakkal, whistleblower of the crisis in Thiruvananthapuram MCH.

The ‘unknown’ phone call that happened midway during the press conference itself made many doubt the alleged intrusion by the health minister’s office. DME Dr. Viswanathan coming forward to claim responsibility for making the phone call indeed speaks volumes about the attempt made to save the health minister’s office. DME said the investigation against Dr Harris was according to the expert committee report.

The necessary instructions should have been given in consultation beforehand, or those conducting the press conference should have shown common sense to turn off their phones at least for that long. The series of gaffes and the lack of clarity itself tells the narrative behind the witch-hunt against Dr Harris.

It does not take much detective intelligence to understand that the superintendent and principal created the mysterious box story in a bid to tarnish the reputation of Dr Harris. The superintendent and principal could have easily avoided the puppet show if for any proper discussions with the authorities concerned.

The health department should show the courage to admit the mistake it made to incriminate Dr Harris. It was unbecoming to carry out a hurried press conference to talk about a box containing the missing equipment, along with the bill, purportedly found in Dr. Harris's room. The falsehood surrounding the box story came to light after it was revealed that the box contained a nephroscope sent to Kochi for repair returned by courier without being repaired due to the high cost. The owner of the institution in Kochi confirmed this. It turned out that this was not the MOscilloscope that the authorities had said was missing.

It cannot be denied that this story is the latest in a series of attempts to isolate and hunt down the doctor who showed the nerve to raise concern over the issues affecting commoners in the hospital. The Health Minister should prioritise ending this controversy here and creating conditions for Dr. Harris to return to his department.