Kozhikode: The Human Rights Commission has intervened in response to a complaint alleging that a company halted supply of surgical equipment to a medical college due to outstanding dues totaling Rs 23.14 crore. 

K Baijunath, a judicial member of the commission, issued an order directing the Health Department Secretary to investigate the matter and submit a report within two weeks. The commission has taken voluntary action to address the issue, which will be deliberated upon during a sitting scheduled for June in Kozhikode.

The disrupted supply includes essential surgical implants such as stents, pacemakers, balloons, catheter wires, guide wires, and valves, all of which will run out of stock within a week. The major consequence of this disruption is the halting of heart surgeries. Authorities had reportedly issued a notice on December 31, indicating the imminent termination of equipment supply for heart surgeries. Complaints indicate that the discontinuation of medical equipment supply across the state is attributed to non-payment of dues by March 31.