THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dr. Harris Chirakkal, head of the urology department, reiterated his stance about the suffering faced by patients in the medical college hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. Dr Harris opined that his statements were not meant to create a political storm and said he would not go into hiding for speaking the truth.

DR HARRIS:

"The problems at the Medical College were reported to the superiors. It is doubtful whether the information reached the superiors, as no one came directly to the department to investigate or called to inquire about the matter. We doctors are only obliged to the patients, and so we don’t fear repercussions.

The Health Minister may not know about these things. It may be the hospital management's failure to properly inform the higher authorities. There are problems in all departments of the medical college. Some of the equipment purchased is unusable. Currently, patients are on the waiting list until August 4. Much of the equipment is purchased by the patients themselves.

Although the government has been requested many times to purchase the RIRS device, no action has been taken. Since the patients themselves spend money on the equipment, surgeries continue without interruption. I got fed up after begging relentlessly in front of superiors and not seeing the desired results.

The RIRS is purchased from a company in Kochi. The company will send their equipment, and the patients will send money to their Google Pay. If not, the company's agent will come and collect the money. The fact that many agents come and collect money for the devices is not a good sign for doctors. If a vigilance investigation comes, this will lead to a big crisis. It may appear as if we took bribes.

Emergency equipment should be purchased immediately. I will respond to everything in writing. I studied in a government college, and I am working here because of my passion to serve the government. All those who studied with me have left government jobs and moved to the private sector."

Health Minister Veena George announced that she has instructed to conduct of a comprehensive investigation into the issues raised by Harris and submit a report.

“Harris is an honest doctor and a hard worker. It was a systematic failure that is ongoing in the hospital. An order has been given to conduct a detailed examination, keeping in mind the doctor’s revelation,” said Health Minister Veena George.