Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan has stated that there is currently no evidence of the Nipah virus spreading beyond the confirmed case, with all test results received so far testing negative. The minister added that the condition of the patient, who is on ventilator support, remains unchanged, and health authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
Minister Responds to Opposition Criticism
Addressing criticism from the opposition, Muraleedharan described the remarks as political rather than a genuine assessment of the government's response. He refuted allegations that he had not visited the affected area, asserting that he was present when the Nipah case was first reported and had issued all necessary instructions before returning to Thiruvananthapuram.
“I was there when the case was reported. After giving all necessary directions, I returned to Thiruvananthapuram. As a health minister, I have to oversee issues affecting the entire state. Since this disease has the potential to spread anywhere in Kerala, I convened a meeting of senior officials in the state capital,” he explained.
Coordination Efforts
Muraleedharan also noted that the Revenue Minister is currently in Kozhikode and has convened a meeting of elected representatives to coordinate response measures. He described the opposition's approach as unfortunate, saying it was inappropriate to treat the situation as a political opportunity. “The opposition should not behave as though it has found a weapon to attack the government,” he said.
Former CM Vijayan's Criticism
The minister's remarks came in response to criticism from former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who accused the government of failing to treat the Nipah situation with the seriousness it deserves. Vijayan claimed that the government was not demonstrating the level of initiative normally expected during a public health crisis. While acknowledging the efforts of doctors and healthcare workers, he argued that the broader health administration and government machinery had not been adequately mobilized.
“The issue is not the commitment of doctors. What is lacking is the leadership and initiative that the health department and government are expected to provide in coordinating the entire health system,” Vijayan said.
He also pointed out that previous health ministers, despite not being medical graduates, had taken an active role during major health emergencies. “The public has seen how governments and health ministers responded during earlier Nipah crises. The present health minister has not visited the affected area or intervened directly so far. That is not the right approach,” he added.
