Parassala Taluk Hospital's Rs 47-Crore Multi-Specialty Block Faces Commissioning Delays
The commissioning of the Rs 47-crore multi-specialty block at Parassala taluk hospital in Thiruvananthapuram has been significantly delayed, with several basic infrastructure works remaining incomplete even five months after its formal inauguration. This delay has stalled plans to relocate key patient services to the new facility, raising serious questions over the decision to inaugurate the building before it was fully ready for use.
Failed Relocation Plans and Pending Infrastructure
A meeting chaired by Parassala MLA C K Hareendran on January 23 had resolved to shift the hospital's emergency department and outpatient ticket distribution counters to the ground floor of the new building from February 4. However, this plan could not be implemented as essential plumbing works in the building are still pending. Hospital sources revealed that several basic facilities required for daily operations have not yet been installed, including at least nine wash basins, some of which are meant for doctors' cabins.
The incomplete works have made it impossible to move patient services into the building, despite repeated discussions and deadlines. Sources further indicated that the delay was linked to the non-payment of construction arrears, following which the private contractor reportedly delayed the remaining works. Officials confirmed that the pending payments have affected the pace of finishing works required to make the building fully functional.
Electricity Connection and Committee Meeting Postponement
Electricity connection to the multi-specialty block was obtained only recently, with KSEB bearing the major portion of the cost, while KIIFB and Parassala block panchayat also contributed. The authorities had earlier attracted criticism after the multi-specialty block was inaugurated before securing an electricity connection.
Meanwhile, a meeting of the hospital development committee scheduled for January 31 to discuss urgent issues, including the shifting of services to the new block, was postponed. No fresh date has been announced so far. Hospital superintendent Dr Nita S Nair stated that the development committee meeting would be convened once the pending issues related to the new building are resolved, enabling a clear timeline for the relocation of services.
Impact on Healthcare Services and Public Concerns
The delay in commissioning the multi-specialty block has not only disrupted planned service relocations but also raised concerns about the efficiency of healthcare infrastructure projects in the region. Patients and staff continue to rely on older facilities, potentially affecting the quality and accessibility of medical care. The situation underscores the need for better project management and timely completion of essential works to ensure that such high-investment healthcare facilities become operational without unnecessary delays.
