Dr Haris Chirakkal, who openly came out with concerns over the issues faced by Thiruvananthapuram Medical College in a recent Facebook post, has further elaborated on the crisis affecting the institution. The Head of the Department of Urology stressed that systemic failures and administrative negligence are at the heart of the ongoing problems.

The Health Minister responded favourably to the matters you raised and even called you an honest doctor

I’m glad the Minister has understood the situation. I have only spoken the truth, and I believe the Minister grasped that exactly as I intended. But for me to be fully satisfied, the problems must be addressed.

Do you think the government is willing to make corrections?

It’s not just the government that bears responsibility. The administration of the Medical College, among others, has also failed to inform the government of these issues in a timely manner. The lack of equipment and delays in maintenance were repeatedly brought to the attention of the Superintendent’s office and the Hospital Development Committee. Yet nothing happened.

You mentioned that heads of other departments have also faced similar issues. Did they also raise concerns with the authorities?

Certainly. Everyone has flagged such matters as and when possible. These are not issues specific to any single department—most departments are facing a range of difficulties. I was compelled to speak out after growing tired of constantly having to explain things to patients. In the Urology Department, surgeries are scheduled six days a week. We perform up to six surgeries a day. If one is cancelled, it affects everyone else waiting. This leads to a severe crisis.

On Sunday, Medical College Principal Dr P K Jabbar said that none of the files related to procurement for the Urology Department had reached his office, and that your concerns had not come to his attention.

(Smiles) I’m not lying. I have copies of all the letters I submitted. I have informed the authorities concerned at the appropriate times.

The Principal stated that action would be taken based on a review of your social media post. However, the Minister did not mention any such action. Are you worried about disciplinary measures?

Let them proceed if they want. That’s a standard procedure. Naturally, I would be asked for an explanation. If that happens, I will respond. I’m not afraid. I’ll continue going to work as usual. My only concern is that patients should not suffer. The Principal is well aware of the situation. He is someone who genuinely wishes me well. He even visited me at home on Sunday. He has also convened a meeting on Monday to discuss other issues concerning the Urology Department.

When will the postponed surgeries take place? Has the Principal given any assurance?

That’s the real issue. It’s what the patients are also asking. The Principal alone cannot authorise the purchase of equipment. Based on my experience, there is little chance of new equipment arriving anytime soon. If it does, it will be nothing short of a miracle. What I sincerely hope is that equipment is procured at the earliest so that surgeries can proceed without disruption.