4-member committee to probe equipment shortage at TMC Hospital
Follow TNM's WhatsApp channel for news updates and story links. The Health Department in Kerala has constituted a four-member panel to investigate the concerns raised by a senior doctor who alleged shortage of surgical equipment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College (TMC) Hospital, sparking widespread concern.The decision follows Health Minister Veena George’s directive for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations levelled by Dr. Haris, head of the Urology department at TMC Hospital. On Saturday, June 28, Dr. Haris Chirackal, head of the Urology department at TMC alleged in a Facebook post that surgeries in his department were being postponed due to a lack of essential equipment, triggering widespread debate within the medical community and drawing public attention. Although the post was later deleted, Dr. Haris reiterated his concerns in subsequent media interactions, standing by his claims.Responding to the allegations, Minister Veena George in a statement said that a detailed inquiry will be conducted into the social media post and its contents. She also shared details from the Director of Medical Education’s (DME) report regarding surgeries and equipment purchased with government funds.According to the Health Minister, equipment worth Rs 67 lakh was purchased specifically for the Urology Department during the 2024-25 financial year. The department conducted 2,898 surgeries in 2024, while 1,327 surgeries were performed until the end of May this year. In May alone, 312 surgeries were conducted, followed by 242 surgeries in June up to the 25th. Six surgeries each were performed on the last two days, while 20 kidney transplants were conducted last year and seven until June this year.The DME’s report noted that only one surgery was postponed recently due to a probe malfunction. “We will examine what led to the post and whether there were any lapses,” Veena George said.The probe comes amid growing support for Dr. Haris from the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association (KGMCTA), which pointed out that similar shortages have been reported in other government medical colleges across the state. They have called for a comprehensive study to verify the utilisation of funds allocated by the government.Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan criticised the state government over the incident, claiming it reflected the grim state of Kerala’s public healthcare system.“The public health sector in Kerala is on ventilator support. The disclosures by Dr. Haris about the shortage of surgical equipment and the delay in surgeries at a government-run hospital are shocking,” Satheesan said, addressing the media in Paravur, Ernakulam.He alleged that shortages of medicines and surgical equipment have been raised repeatedly by the opposition in the Assembly, but the government has failed to act. “Once again, the Health Minister says she will seek a report. How many times has she made similar statements? If we compile all the reports she has sought earlier, they would fill volumes,” Satheesan remarked.The Congress leader accused the government of failing to implement welfare schemes such as the Karunya Benevolent Fund and Hrudyam, while dues to companies supplying medicines and equipment have mounted. He also criticised the state Finance Minister for cutting Rs 300 crore from the health sector’s plan fund.Satheesan announced that the Congress-led UDF’s health commission, comprising public health experts, will begin its study on issues in the sector on Monday and submit a report to the government. A public health conclave will also be organised in July to highlight the concerns.
Follow TNM's WhatsApp channel for news updates and story links.
THE Health Department in Kerala has constituted a four-member panel to investigate the concerns raised by a senior doctor who alleged a shortage of surgical equipment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College (TMC) Hospital, sparking widespread concern.
The decision follows Health Minister Veena George’s directive for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations levelled by Dr. Haris, head of the Urology department at TMC Hospital.
On Saturday, June 28, Dr. Haris Chirackal, head of the Urology department at TMC alleged in a Facebook post that surgeries in his department were being postponed due to a lack of essential equipment, triggering widespread debate within the medical community and drawing public attention. Although the post was later deleted, Dr. Haris reiterated his concerns in subsequent media interactions, standing by his claims.
Responding to the allegations, Minister Veena George in a statement said that a detailed inquiry will be conducted into the social media post and its contents. She also shared details from the Director of Medical Education’s (DME) report regarding surgeries and equipment purchased with government funds.
According to the Health Minister, equipment worth Rs 67 lakh was purchased specifically for the Urology Department during the 2024-25 financial year.
The department conducted 2,898 surgeries in 2024, while 1,327 surgeries were performed until the end of May this year. In May alone, 312 surgeries were conducted, followed by 242 surgeries in June up to the 25th.
Six surgeries each were performed on the last two days, while 20 kidney transplants were conducted last year and seven until June this year.
The DME’s report noted that only one surgery was postponed recently due to a probe malfunction. “We will examine what led to the post and whether there were any lapses,” Veena George said.
The probe comes amid growing support for Dr. Haris from the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association (KGMCTA), which pointed out that similar shortages have been reported in other government medical colleges across the state. They have called for a comprehensive study to verify the utilisation of funds allocated by the government.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan criticised the state government over the incident, claiming it reflected the grim state of Kerala’s public healthcare system.
“The public health sector in Kerala is on ventilator support. The disclosures by Dr. Haris about the shortage of surgical equipment and the delay in surgeries at a government-run hospital are shocking,” Satheesan said, addressing the media in Paravur, Ernakulam.
He alleged that shortages of medicines and surgical equipment have been raised repeatedly by the opposition in the Assembly, but the government has failed to act. “Once again, the Health Minister says she will seek a report. How many times has she made similar statements? If we compile all the reports she has sought earlier, they would fill volumes,” Satheesan remarked.
The Congress leader accused the government of failing to implement welfare schemes such as the Karunya Benevolent Fund and Hrudyam, while dues to companies supplying medicines and equipment have mounted. He also criticised the state finance minister for cutting Rs 300 crore from the health sector’s plan fund.
Satheesan announced that the Congress-led UDF’s health commission, comprising public health experts, will begin its study on issues in the sector on Monday and submit a report to the government. A public health conclave will also be organised in July to highlight the concerns.
