2013 Study Ignored: Kerala Health Minister Slams UDF Over Amoebic Corneal Ulcer Findings

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Health Minister Veena George has revealed that a crucial 2013 study conducted by two government doctors had identified Amoeba as a major cause of corneal ulcers, with contaminated well water suspected as the source in nearly half the cases. However, the minister said that the then United Democratic Front (UDF) government led by the Congress failed to take any action, dismissing the findings and ignoring potential public health risks.

The revelation was made in a detailed social media post, in which Veena George shared that the study by Dr. Anna Cherian and Dr. R. Jyothy from Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College had found that 64% of corneal ulcer cases were suspected to have originated from amoebic contamination, primarily from well water. She stated that this report was presented to senior officials of the UDF's health department, but was completely ignored.

The minister’s remarks come at a time when amebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and often fatal brain infection caused by amoeba, is causing rising concern in the state. According to the minister, Kerala is now leading globally in addressing the issue with a One Health-based action plan that integrates public health, water safety, and environmental surveillance. She also pointed out that Kerala was the first region in the world to mandate testing for amoebic infection even in cases without direct contact with water bodies, a step not even adopted by the US-based CDC.

Veena George added that these measures gained momentum after the 2023 Nipah outbreak, which prompted the state to tighten its infectious disease reporting protocols. The minister stressed that under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the government initiated a statewide campaign to ensure water safety and prevent further outbreaks.

However, opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan has been accusing the LDF government for the rise of the amebic meningoencephalitis. The Health Minister dismissed Satheesan’s comments as baseless and irresponsible, arguing that such statements only hamper ongoing efforts to protect public health. She said the current government is focused on scientific, data-driven action, not blame games.

With rising cases being reported and awareness growing, the Health Department has made it clear that it will continue its efforts to identify sources, improve water safety, and ensure early diagnosis and treatment — regardless of political criticism.