Thiruvananthapuram: Medical equipment suppliers visited several Kerala government hospitals, including medical colleges, to retrieve surgical instruments, highlighting a deepening financial crisis. Suppliers claim 21 hospitals collectively owe over ₹158 crore for instruments already supplied.

The Chamber of Distributors of Medical Implants and Disposables (CDMID) revealed that dues were pending up to June this year. In September, the organisation formally wrote to superintendents and hospital heads, demanding payment or warning that supplied instruments would be retrieved. Payment was initially requested by 5 October.

As the government missed this deadline, an extension of 15 days was granted, later revised to 20 October. With no payments made, suppliers visited hospitals on Tuesday to reclaim instruments.

Cardiology surgeries hit hardest

The shortage of equipment has reportedly affected surgeries in medical colleges, particularly in cardiology departments. Critical items such as stents, guidewires, and catheters are now in short supply.

CDMID stressed they act as distributors only, with manufacturers insisting on the return of instruments. Despite repeated letters, the government has not confirmed when the dues will be settled, the organisation said. It called for payments pending until March to be cleared urgently and warned of legal action if no decision is made.

A CDMID meeting to determine further steps is scheduled soon.

Talks with Thiruvananthapuram Medical College

Following discussions with the superintendent at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, a supplier representative said that the hospital was given an extra 10 days to clear dues, following which no equipment was withdrawn.

However, officials at the medical college clarified that they had not guaranteed dues would be cleared within 10 days. They added that discussions have taken place, and the government plans to prioritise payment to companies supplying cardiology equipment. Officials remain hopeful that funds will be released shortly and confirmed there is currently no disruption to ongoing surgeries.

Hospital-wise pending dues

  • Kozhikode Medical College – ₹34.90 crore
  • Thiruvananthapuram Medical College – ₹29.56 crore
  • Kottayam Medical College – ₹21.74 crore
  • Pariyaram Medical College – ₹13.96 crore
  • Ernakulam General Hospital – ₹13.74 crore