THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister Veena George has ordered the swift removal of old, unused and rusted vehicles at state hospitals within two months. This directive was issued via her Facebook post.

Efforts will be made to locate and clear away vehicles that have been inactive for ten years or more. Various departments' officials will collaborate to expedite the process. It's important to note that vehicles over 15 years old, which are necessary for government use as per the central government's scrap policy will not be affected.

Many state hospital premises are currently cluttered with deteriorated and corroded vehicles that have remained unused for extended periods. These vehicles not only attract undesirable elements but also hinder construction projects. For instance, Kottayam General Hospital is dealing with 22 non-operational vehicles impeding its development.

Immediate action is needed to inspect vehicles at all state hospital locations, generate hospital reports on these vehicles, assess their value and obtain necessary approvals. The goal is to confiscate and remove such rusted vehicles that have been idle for a decade or more in government hospitals across the state within two months. Multiple departments will collaborate to expedite this process. Importantly, these actions will not affect vehicles exempted for government use under the central government's scrap policy.