State's health sector is 'on ventilator', says Opposition; Health Minister accuses UDF of undermining morale of healthcare workers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The opposition in the Kerala Assembly on Wednesday demanded urgent steps to revive the state’s health sector, claiming it was “on a ventilator.” Health Minister Veena George rejected the charge, saying the opposition’s remarks were undermining the morale of healthcare workers who continue to serve the public round the clock.

The debate was triggered by an adjournment motion moved by Congress MLA P.C. Vishnunath over the death of Bismir (37), a native of Vilappilsala, who allegedly died after not receiving timely treatment at a government hospital. The Assembly discussed the issue for nearly two and a half hours. During the debate, Minister Veena George said that during the UDF government’s tenure, little had improved in the health sector apart from an increase in the assets of the Health Minister, a remark that led to loud protests from the opposition benches.

Opposition leader V.D. Satheeshan attempted to respond, but the Speaker permitted the minister to complete her reply first. This prompted the opposition to stage a walkout from the House. Speaker A.N. Shamsheer later remarked that adjournment motion debates were more tedious than a Test cricket match.

Minister Veena George said there were no lapses on the part of doctors at the Vilappilsala hospital and that, according to preliminary reports, the patient was given primary treatment within minutes. She added that a clearer picture would emerge after the post-mortem report is received and cautioned against repeatedly targeting healthcare workers.

Countering the minister’s claims, Opposition Leader V.D. Satheeshan said no other Health Minister in Kerala had issued so many orders for inquiries following repeated failures in government hospitals. He alleged that the minister often stopped at issuing orders without reviewing what actually happened in the investigation reports.

Defending her department, Minister Veena George cited lapses in the health sector during the UDF government’s tenure. Meanwhile, ruling party MLA Sujith Vijayan Pillai demanded justice for Venu, a native of Kollam, who died after allegedly being denied treatment at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital.