‘Grief is mine too’: Amidst protest Kerala health minister visits family of Bindu

Thalayolaparambu: Kerala Health Minister Veena George paid a condolence visit to the residence of D Bindu, the woman who lost her life in the recent collapse at Kottayam Medical College Hospital. The minister reached Bindu's house at 7 a.m. on Sunday. Ummamkunnu Meppath Kunnel D Bindu (54) of Thalayolaparambu lost her life in the accident. The minister consoled Bindu's husband, Vishrutan, and her mother, and assured them that the government would be with them.

The minister assured the grieving family that the government would extend full support, pledging to meet all their needs. She also confirmed that arrangements for medical treatment for Bindu’s daughter would be made at any hospital of their choice. If the family opts for Kottayam Medical College, the minister stated that all necessary facilities would be prepared to perform the child’s surgery as early as on Monday.

"It is an extremely sad incident. It is a heartbreaking situation. The grief of this family is mine. I met Bindu's mother, husband, and children. I share their grief. The government will be with them completely. I have spoken to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan about this. Appropriate decisions will be taken based on that," the minister said.

"All decisions will be announced by the Chief Minister himself based on the cabinet meeting. All the demands put forward by the family will be considered," the minister clarified.

Bindu’s husband, Vishrutan, requested only a job for their son during the minister’s visit. He expressed gratitude that the Chief Minister had personally reached out and said he was relieved to feel the government's support during this difficult time.

Meanwhile, several political parties staged protests, including outside the minister’s residence in Pathanamthitta, criticizing her delay in visiting Bindu’s family. On Saturday, statewide demonstrations were held demanding the health minister’s resignation.