Kerala Health Minister Veena George Discharged from Hospital Amidst Political Controversy
Kozhikode: Kerala Health Minister Veena George, who sustained injuries during a black flag protest by the Kerala Students Union (KSU) at Kannur railway station on Wednesday, was discharged from Pariyaram Medical College in the early hours of Friday morning. She left the hospital by car at 4 AM, following a decision made during an online meeting of the medical board on Thursday night.
Medical Board's Conflicting Statements Raise Questions
The hospital's medical bulletin issued at 3 PM on Thursday had stated that George was not fit enough to travel and would continue her treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It detailed that she was experiencing severe pain due to discs compressing her cervical nerve roots at two locations. This earlier assessment has led to significant scrutiny from political opponents regarding the sudden discharge.
Congress activists have openly questioned the decision to allow her discharge and subsequent long-distance travel by car, given the medical board's prior concerns. KSU state vice-president Mohammed Shammas criticized the move, suggesting it indicates that the injury allegations might be false. He also highlighted alleged violations of ICU protocols, citing instances where nurses took selfies with George and shared them on social media.
Congress Leaders Demand Inquiry into Medical Lapses
Congress leader V T Balaram expressed shock on Facebook, writing, "Discharging a patient with a serious neck injury, where pain radiates from the neck to the arms, and sending her from Kannur to Thiruvananthapuram by car—without even providing an ambulance—is alarming. The minister should order an inquiry into this lapse."
In response, hospital sources defended the decision, stating that George's condition had improved, and she had personally requested to be discharged. They emphasized that her health had stabilized enough to permit the move.
Nurse Defends Selfie Incident as Gesture of Support
Nurse Smitha PC justified the selfie taken with George, explaining that it was intended to reassure the minister during her physical and mental distress. "That photo holding the minister close was taken in that context. It was a way of showing our support. She interacted with us like a sister. Within a few hours, we felt close to her. That is why this photo was taken," she stated.
Investigation Progresses and Minister's Current Status
Meanwhile, the team investigating the protest incident has formally requested the Railway Protection Force (RPF) to provide camera footage from the station's entrance area where the protest occurred. This step aims to gather more evidence regarding the events leading to George's injuries.
The minister's office has confirmed that she is now resting at her residence in Pathanamthitta. All her scheduled programs have been postponed until Monday. Doctors have advised four days of complete rest, prescribed medication, and recommended a follow-up consultation at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College to monitor her recovery.
