‘Report is fake if it says I lied’: Dr Haris Chirakkal defends remarks, prepares formal reply

Thiruvananthapuram: Dr Haris Chirakkal, Head of the Urology Department at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, has said he will formally respond to the show-cause notice issued by the Director of Medical Education (DME) over his public remarks regarding the shortage of medical equipment in the hospital.

Speaking to the media, Dr Haris acknowledged that posting on social media about internal matters was a violation of service rules, but firmly denied the charge that he had intentionally delayed a surgery.

“I have not seen the report given by the expert committee. I have not been shown the report. The report has not been provided even to those who sought it through the Right to Information Act. I do not know what they wrote or who gave evidence,” he said.

“A detailed reply, with all supporting documents, was already submitted to the inquiry commission. I will now submit a full response to the show-cause notice as well. The notice claims that everything I said was false.”

Dr Haris also reiterated that the lack of equipment in the hospital was well known and that his public comments were a desperate measure after repeated internal complaints went unaddressed.

“It was common knowledge that the hospital was short of equipment. That’s why I rushed to make arrangements when the issue became public. The allegation that I deliberately stopped the surgery is false. What do I gain from stopping a surgery? I stand by my claim that there was no equipment,” he said.

“I had informed the concerned authorities multiple times about the shortage. If the report says everything I stated was a lie, then that report is fake.”

Defending his actions further, Dr Haris said he raised the issue on social media only after exhausting all other avenues.

“Yes, what was said on social media is a violation of the rules. But it was done as a last resort when all other channels failed. Everyone involved is aware of the problems. They also know that the equipment shortage still exists,” he claimed.

“The report says that a probe was used, but it was not from the hospital; it belonged to another doctor.”

Dr Haris said he took responsibility as the department head to highlight the equipment shortage and questioned the motives of those involved in preparing the report.

“As the head of the department, I am responsible for the safekeeping of the devices. That’s why I reported the missing equipment. Those who prepared the report and gave evidence may have had their own interests,” he alleged.

“In any case, the department will respond directly to the secretary. I have prepared the reply in my own handwriting.”