MLA Mohammed Riyas Protests Against Health Department Over Failure in Handling Nipah

Kozhikode: MLA Mohammed Riyas staged a protest against the Health Department, alleging poor coordination in Nipah prevention and response measures.

Riyas held the protest by holding a sit-in at the Nipah control room in Kozhikode, objecting to what he described as the Health Department’s refusal to allow him to participate in preventive efforts.

According to Riyas, at a time when the state government had allegedly failed in maintaining proper vigilance and response measures regarding Nipah, preventing an elected representative from interacting with people in the affected area was unacceptable.

After reaching the control room, the MLA contacted the District Collector over the phone. Riyas said he had requested permission to call and reassure residents living inside the containment zone. However, he claimed the Collector informed him that the Health Department had advised that such outreach was not necessary.

Speaking to the media, Mohammed Riyas said that elected representatives should work alongside the Health Department to coordinate public welfare efforts and help build confidence among people living in containment zones.

He questioned why it should be considered inappropriate for him, as the MLA representing the constituency, to call and reassure residents. He also asked whether political considerations should play any role in matters related to people’s mental well-being during a public health situation.