Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan stated on Monday that the government is not accepting a preliminary report on alleged medical negligence at the Kozhencherry district hospital at face value. The case involves a 68-year-old patient, Vatsala from Aranmula, who claimed that a broken piece of a needle remained lodged inside her body for nearly a year after receiving an injection at the hospital.
Minister Orders Detailed Inquiry
Muraleedharan said the report had extended the 'benefit of doubt' based on the possibility that the patient might have sought treatment elsewhere. He directed the District Medical Officer to conduct a more detailed inquiry and submit a fresh report. The minister emphasized that the person who administered the injection should be identified and questioned. 'The report indicates there was negligence and the benefit of doubt cannot be given,' he said.
Healthcare Infrastructure Concerns
Speaking to reporters on healthcare infrastructure and services, Muraleedharan stressed that patients should not be made to lie on the floor in government hospitals. He assured that the UDF government would ensure adequate facilities to prevent such situations. The minister said facilities required for surgeries must be strengthened and cleanliness should be ensured in hospitals.
'The discussion should not be on how things were until now, but on what needs to be done going forward,' he added.
Measures to Improve Healthcare
Muraleedharan said instructions have been issued to ensure the availability of medicines in hospitals and stressed that patients should not suffer due to shortages. He also directed strict adherence to surgical protocols. The minister announced that new posts for doctors would be created to strengthen healthcare services. He noted that two medical colleges sanctioned during the previous UDF government had later been discontinued, and a decision has now been taken to revive them.
