BJP leader Sobha Surendran on Friday criticised the Kerala government over the death of Kollam-native Venu at the Government Medical College Hospital, alleging that the state’s failure to appoint adequate doctors and procure essential medicines has led to a sharp decline in the number of surgeries performed in government hospitals.

Venu, a native of Kollam, died on Wednesday night. His family has alleged that delays in treatment and lack of medical attention led to his death. According to Venu’s wife, he had been referred to the medical college from Kollam, as his condition was critical.

Meanwhile, the hospital’s medical superintendent denied the family’s allegations and stated that there was no medical negligence or lack of treatment provided to the patient.