Kerala Health Minister Veena George has initiated a probe into serious allegations made by Dr. Haris Chirakkal, head of the Urology Department at Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital (MCH). The move comes after Dr. Haris publicly criticised the inaction of senior officials in resolving persistent issues affecting patient care.
Labeling Dr. Haris as “honest and hardworking,” Veena George acknowledged that systemic inefficiencies may have contributed to the delay in addressing critical problems. “This is a systemic issue, not solely the government’s fault,” she said, while announcing that a detailed report had been requested to investigate the concerns raised.
Addressing the media in Pathanamthitta, the minister explained that the price of a particular probe used in the Urology Department had risen by ₹3,000, leading the department to follow official procedures to avoid audit objections. While acknowledging the importance of compliance, she stressed that bureaucratic hurdles must not delay urgent patient care. A comprehensive review of Dr. Haris’s concerns will be undertaken.
Veena George also instructed officials to release detailed data on all procedures carried out by the urology department from 2011 to 2025. She highlighted the increasing burden on public hospitals, noting that patient footfall has tripled in the last three years. Infrastructure upgrades have been implemented to manage the growing demand, she added.
Dr. Haris, meanwhile, clarified that his statements were made in the interest of his patients and department, not as personal criticism. He highlighted the challenges faced by patients, including long waiting periods and the need to buy surgical materials themselves due to shortages. While expressing concern over a possible vigilance inquiry, he stated that he would fully cooperate.
MCH principal Dr. P. K. Jabbar confirmed that an internal investigation would be carried out and claimed there are no pending purchase orders in the Urology Department.
