‘How can a patient lying on the floor be treated?’: Dr Haris Chirakkal criticises state of medical colleges

Thiruvananthapuram: Dr Haris Chirakkal, head of the Urology department at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital and whistelblower in the surgical equipment shortage row, has come out strongly against the deteriorating state of facilities at government medical colleges in Kerala, following reports that a patient named Venu was made to lie on the floor at the facility.

“There is no point in opening numerous medical colleges. What we need is to strengthen the ones we already have,” Dr Haris said. “Venu was being treated while lying on the floor. How can anyone, in today’s modern society, be treated that way?” he asked, expressing deep concern over the situation.

Dr Haris’s remarks come at a time when serious allegations have been raised regarding the death of Venu, a native of Kollam, who reportedly died after not receiving adequate treatment at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. A voice message from Venu, in which he claimed he had been denied proper care, has also surfaced, intensifying the controversy.

Dr Haris added that he had earlier highlighted similar issues, which led to extremely distressing circumstances. He pointed out that despite the large sums being spent on establishing new institutions, many lack basic facilities. “For instance, I’ve been told that nearly ₹500 crore was spent on the Konni Medical College, yet even there, the infrastructure remains inadequate,” he said.

“Even in major institutions like the Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, and Alappuzha medical colleges, there are still limitations in providing super-specialty treatment. The patient load is overwhelming,” Dr Haris remarked while speaking at an event in Thiruvananthapuram.