The cardiothoracic surgery department at Thrissur Government Medical College in Kerala is facing a severe crisis. With more than a hundred patients awaiting surgery and only one surgeon available, the department is able to perform just two operations per week. As a result, patients are currently facing a wait of up to ten months for life-saving procedures.

For many, this wait is simply unaffordable. Patients in urgent need of surgery are forced to turn to private hospitals, often selling their homes or taking out loans to cover the costs. The situation affects not only residents of Thrissur but also patients from neighbouring districts such as Palakkad and Malappuram.

Proposals for Development Ignored

Despite repeated proposals over the past five years to expand the cardiothoracic surgery department, no action has been taken. The medical college has requested the creation of two additional surgeon posts, along with the necessary paramedical staff, but these requests have been consistently ignored. Even a proposal to transfer a cardiac surgeon from another department within the college was rejected.

Attempts to raise the issue with the Director of Medical Education and the Health Minister have so far been unsuccessful. Earlier this year, the cardiothoracic surgery unit was forced to shut down for two months due to a technician shortage. Although the Health Minister assured that the department would be developed during this period, no progress has been made.

Hope for Relief

The appointment of just one additional surgeon could significantly reduce patient suffering. Experts estimate that adding a second surgeon could halve the current waiting time for heart surgery, providing much-needed relief to patients who cannot afford to wait.