While the LDF government continues to market Kerala’s health sector as a global model, Health Minister Veena George has faced a relentless barrage of criticism for her alleged negligence in the health sector. Opponents have consistently pointed to a string of systemic failures under her watch, ranging from the tragic to the bizarre.
A shocking case of alleged medical negligence has emerged from Thiruvananthapuram MCH, where a 23-year-old man was handed a scan report stating that he had a uterus. Shihab, a resident of Kazhakkoottam, had sought treatment on February 17 for left-side abdominal pain. While doctors suspected kidney stones and advised a scan, the report he collected on March 16 contained the glaring and inexplicable error.
The controversy began when Shihas visited the hospital in February complaining of abdominal pain. After paying Rs 2,500 for a CT scan, his pain temporarily subsided. However, when the ailment returned months later, he collected the formal report to consult a doctor, only to discover the medical absurdity.
When Shihas confronted the hospital authorities, he was met with dismissiveness rather than an apology. In a bizarre move to cover up the lapse, a hospital employee took the faulty report inside and returned 15 minutes later with a “corrected” version—issued without a fresh scan. Shihas further alleged that staff attempted to silence him and even became abusive when he demanded justice.
This incident raises grave concerns about the deterioration of the state’s medical laboratory systems. Citizens are now demanding stringent action against the staff for such blatant negligence. Furthermore, the practice of issuing a new report without a re-scan has severely damaged the credibility of the institution.
“Reckless Purchases” and Unapproved Spending: Health Minister Veena George under fire
Serious financial anomalies have surfaced regarding the Kerala Health Research and Welfare Society (KHRWS), a body headed by Health Minister Veena George. Established to enhance hospital facilities and patient care, the society is now under the scanner of the State Audit Department for blatant procedural violations.
The audit has revealed that major purchases were executed without inviting tenders, seeking quotations, or obtaining the mandatory approval from the Finance Ministry. Due to a total lack of documentation for these reckless expenditures, the Audit Department has frozen Rs 4.42 crore. Despite repeated demands from auditors, the society has failed to produce the necessary paperwork to justify the spending.
