Congress Leader Demands Health Minister's Removal Over Kerala's 'Collapsed' Healthcare System
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has launched a scathing attack on Kerala's health administration, demanding the immediate removal of Health Minister Veena George from her post. Chennithala's demands come amid growing concerns about the state's healthcare infrastructure, which he described as having "collapsed" under the current government's watch.
Medical Negligence Case Sparks Outrage
Chennithala made these remarks following a visit to Amrita Hospital, where he met with patient Usha, who has been suffering for five years after surgical scissors were left in her abdomen during a medical procedure. The Congress leader expressed deep frustration with the minister's response to such cases.
"The health minister consistently hides behind the excuse of 'systematic errors' to evade accountability. This is completely unacceptable," Chennithala told reporters. He warned the government against repeating what he called the "betrayal" seen in the Harshina case, where the victim received only Rs 2 lakh in compensation after spending nearly Rs 50 lakh on treatment.
Chennithala demanded that the state government bear the full cost of Usha's medical expenses and provide immediate fair compensation for her suffering.
Dire Conditions in Government Hospitals
The senior opposition leader further highlighted what he described as the "frightening" condition of government hospitals across Kerala, specifically pointing to Alappuzha Medical College. He cited acute shortages of doctors, medical staff, and essential medicines that have compromised patient care.
Chennithala accused the government of victimizing medical professionals who dared to point out these deficiencies in the healthcare system. "Instead of addressing the real problems, they're punishing those who speak truth to power," he asserted.
Youth Congress Protests Escalate at Medical College
In a related development, Youth Congress activists stormed a news conference held by doctors at Alappuzha Medical College Hospital on Friday. The protest was aimed at addressing the controversy over alleged medical negligence at the facility.
The demonstration was led by state working president Binu Chulliyil, secretary Vishakh Pathiyoor, and district president M P Praveen. Activists took over the dais where doctors were seated before police removed them by force.
After being removed from the second floor, the protesters continued their demonstration on the staircase, blocking the path of patients and medical staff. When police attempted to clear them again, the activists staged a sit-in protest in front of the MCH building and blocked a police vehicle.
Injuries and Arrests During Protest
During the removal process, several Youth Congress members sustained injuries:
- Youth Congress Puthanangadi constituency president Neenu and Alappuzha constituency secretary Pratheeksha were allegedly injured
- Aryad constituency president Manoj sustained minor injuries after allegedly being hit by a police vehicle
- All three were admitted to the hospital for treatment
- A police officer also suffered leg injuries during the confrontation
Multiple Youth Congress leaders were subsequently remanded, including:
- Binu Chulliyil
- M P Praveen
- Vishakh Pathiyoor
- Ananthanarayanan
- Shahul Puthiyaparambil
- KSU's Vishnu Prasad
- Rino Booto
- Thaneesh T
- Ansil Punnapra
The escalating healthcare crisis in Kerala has become a major political flashpoint, with opposition parties intensifying their criticism of the government's handling of medical infrastructure and patient care standards across the state.
