THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Justice Alexander Thomas, Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, has issued directives for the immediate repair of malfunctioning X-ray equipment at the General Hospital. The intervention comes after the Commission initiated a case based on a newspaper report highlighting patient hardships caused by the broken equipment.

In addition to ordering the repairs, the Commission called for an investigation into the cause of the malfunction, including the associated UPS system. Officials were instructed to assess whether repairs are feasible or if replacements are necessary. Allegations of giving priority of treatment for police officers and government employees in accessing X-ray services were also flagged for examination. The commission emphasised that if such favouritism exists, it must be halted, and those responsible should face legal action.

Justice Alexander Thomas directed the Director of the Health Department and the Superintendent of the General Hospital to submit a detailed report within two weeks. Both officials were also asked to send senior representatives to appear before the Commission at its office on April 3 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the matter further.