Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan stated on Monday that the government is not accepting at face value a preliminary report on alleged medical negligence at the Kozhencherry district hospital. 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 an injection was administered at the hospital.
Minister Orders Fresh Inquiry
Muraleedharan said the report had extended a "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 new report. "The report indicates there was negligence and the benefit of doubt cannot be given," he asserted. The minister also emphasized that the person who administered the injection should be identified and questioned.
Focus on Healthcare Infrastructure
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 discussion should not be on how things were until now, but on what needs to be done going forward," he said.
The minister highlighted that facilities required for surgeries must be strengthened and cleanliness ensured in hospitals. He issued instructions to ensure the availability of medicines and stressed that patients should not suffer due to shortages. Strict adherence to surgical protocols was also directed.
Revival of Medical Colleges
Muraleedharan 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 been discontinued and that a decision had been taken to revive them.
