THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government should get ready to test the quality of the rabies vaccines in the state, said BJP state president K Surendran. In a statement he demanded that the government should change its approach of letting people die. Numerous people have been tested positive for rabies even after taking the vaccine. Last month, eight people died after being bitten by stary dogs. The death of 12-year-old Abhirami in Pathanamthitta, the health minister's home district, is the latest example. It is a serious matter that people are dying even after taking vaccines.

It is the government’s responsibility to ensure the quality of the rabies vaccines used in Kerala. The chief minister’s speech in the assembly about the reliability of the vaccine is not enough. The chief minister is obligated to intervene to protect the lives of the people. The health sector in the state has failed completely. The chief minister should oust the health minister.

There has been an allegation of medical negligence in Abhirami’s death. Although she was taken to Perunadu Primary Health Centre and Pathanamthitta General Hospital, she was not given adequate treatment. The hospital employees said that they had limitations. The government should clarify about the limitations in government hospitals, said Surendran.