Veena George Orders Investigation into Allegations at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George has directed a thorough investigation into the allegations raised on social media concerning the shortage of medical equipment at the Urology department of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. The Minister instructed the Director of Medical Education (DME) to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and submit a detailed report on the matter.

The controversy began when Dr. Harris Chirakkal took to social media to express his deep concerns about the situation. In a post shared on Facebook, Dr. Chirakkal claimed that critical surgeries were being postponed due to a severe shortage of necessary equipment. He described feeling helpless in his inability to provide timely treatment, particularly for poor patients who rely on the government hospital for care.

Dr. Chirakkal criticized the bureaucratic hurdles that hindered the timely procurement of medical supplies, stating that even requests for equipment made months ago had not been addressed. His emotional post sparked widespread attention and debate, with many questioning the state of healthcare in public institutions and the challenges faced by doctors working in the government sector.

According to a report received from the health department, equipment worth Rs. 67 lakh was purchased for the Urology department during the 2024-2025 financial year. Last year, the Urology department conducted a total of 2,898 surgeries, and as of May 31, 2025, 1,327 surgeries have been performed. In May alone, 312 surgeries were carried out, and 242 surgeries were performed in June up until the 25th. Despite some recent setbacks, such as a malfunctioning probe that led to the postponement of a surgery, the department has continued to function and cater to the needs of its patients.

The report also detailed seven renal transplantations performed this year, emphasising that critical procedures are ongoing. The state government is continuing efforts to procure additional equipment, including a Rs. 2.5 crore purchase through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).