Thiruvananthapuram: Dr Haris Chirakkal stated that he was compelled to act during the crisis at the Medical College Hospital only after all other avenues had been exhausted. He clarified that the Health Department or the government were not responsible for the crisis -- rather, the blame lay with certain officials. Describing his actions as “professional suicide”, he said he made the decision in a moment of desperation.

“The shortage of medical equipment had been resolved the day before. Surgeries have been completed, and patients are now ready for discharge, either today or tomorrow. While there is still a shortage of equipment, I brought this to the attention of the expert committee, providing clear evidence. Solutions have been proposed and must now be implemented. There should be a system in place to ensure permanent resolution.”

“I took this risk knowing well that I was endangering my career and job. No one else was willing to step forward. Perhaps I won't be able to do something like this again. But the issues will persist even if I step aside. Action must be taken regardless. I never blamed the Cabinet, the Health Minister or the Department. My criticism is directed at the officials. The bureaucracy is where the real problems lie.”

“It was my ‘professional suicide’. I took that step only when every other effort had failed. I fully expect disciplinary action. I anticipated opposition -- but not a single person stood against me. On the contrary, the public and even members of Leftist parties have supported me.”

He urged people not to politicise the issue: “Please address the concerns I’ve raised. Don’t tarnish the image of the Health Department, organise protests or obstruct patient care. If those things happen, my actions will be misunderstood. I ask you to refrain from such activities.”

Dr Chirakkal also partially supported the remarks made by the Chief Minister, saying, “What the Chief Minister said is true to an extent. Publicly voicing concerns can indeed damage the image of the health sector. But if issues are resolved as a result, the sector's growth will be faster than expected.”

He further criticised the delay in bureaucratic processes: “Why were crucial treatment-related files pending at the collectorate for two months? The crisis was resolved overnight -- how did those same files reach Hyderabad in just one day? Other equipment has arrived recently too. How is it that matters delayed for months or years were suddenly resolved in a single day?”

Dr Chirakkal ended his statement on a respectful note: “The Chief Minister is my mentor. As someone who shares the values of the Left, I admire and respect him deeply. Whatever consequences he decides for me, my respect for him will remain unchanged.”