Didn't insult the doctors or asked to suspend them, no problem if complaint is lodged, says Ganesh Kumar MLA

KOLLAM: KB Ganesh Kumar MLA has responded to the objections of the doctors following the criticisms raised by the MLA during his visit to the government Ayurveda hospital in Thalavoor. "I did not say anything wrong. I didn't insult the doctors or asked to suspend them. I pointed out that the public money of Rs 3 crore with which the hospital was built is being put to waste", Ganesh said.

"There is no problem in filing a complaint or a case. That is their right", he said. The MLA, who visited the Thalavoor hospital building ahead of the inauguration, picked up a broom and swept the floor the himself and criticized for not keeping the physiotherapy machine clean.

The Ayurveda Medical Officers' Association and the Kerala Government Ayurveda Officers' Federation in response to the MLA said that after constructing the building and purchase of equipments, there aren't enough staff to maintain it and that the MLA should understand that. "The staff pattern in 1960 when the department was established is still followed. The 40-bed hospital has a single sweeper post. The vacancy has not been filled since a 70-year-old sweeper retired", doctors said.

Doctors asked how the new physiotherapy machine would work without staff. They said that it is being used by doctors.

The organizations also questioned whether Chief Medical Officer Dr Ambilikumari was to blame for the substandard tiles being used in the toilet. Doctor further accused the government of not providing much needed assistance in the field of Ayurveda, which is done for allopathy. The doctors said that they had approached the higher authorities to provide adequate facilities and fill the vacancies of the employees but to no avail.

The new hospital building was constructed at a cost of Rs 3.5 crore.