Thiruvananthapuram: A senior doctor's whistleblower post on delayed surgeries at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital (MCH) has led to swift administrative action and a political storm in Kerala.

Dr Haris Chirakkal, head of the Urology Department, publicly highlighted a shortage of surgical equipment and administrative lapses in a now-deleted Facebook post. He alleged that systemic negligence had forced the postponement of many surgeries, leaving patients in severe pain without timely medical attention.

As per reports on Tuesday, the long-pending lathoclast probe equipment finally arrived by flight from Hyderabad, allowing the hospital to restart postponed surgeries. Dr Chirakkal had reportedly placed the order in March, but procurement delays stalled operations until his post went viral. As per reports, the superintendent will be shifted from the hospital and the top brass may be reshuffled.

Mental stress and institutional indifference

“The greatest helplessness of a department head in a government hospital was the lack of essential medical equipment,” Dr Chirakkal wrote, voicing his distress at being unable to serve patients due to repeated administrative inaction.

He added that despite multiple reassurances from authorities, the problem remained unresolved for months. “Officials showed little interest,” he claimed, while patients endured painful conditions without surgical relief. The prolonged crisis, he said, placed him under immense mental stress.

Medical education director calls post ‘emotional outburst’

Director of Medical Education Dr Vishwanathan K described Chirakkal’s post as “misleading and an emotional outburst.” He insisted the delay was technical and that required supplies had already been ordered.

Dr Chirakkal later agreed to delete the post on the DME’s request but stood by the substance of his concerns. He reiterated that issues within the system had not been adequately addressed.

Support from medical fraternity

Dr Rosnara Begum, president of the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers' Association (KGMCTA), supported Dr Chirakkal, stating that overwhelming patient volume and overuse of medical equipment were straining the healthcare system.

Following reports of possible disciplinary action, the association pledged full support to Chirakkal and warned against any retaliation by the authorities.

Minister acknowledges issues, urges system reforms

Health Minister Veena George refrained from criticising the doctor. Calling him “a hardworking and trustworthy medical professional,” she said the issues raised reflected systemic weaknesses.

“There should be no delay in procuring equipment. We will examine whether such delays occurred in this case,” she said, adding that procedural rules should be reviewed to avoid such bottlenecks.

The minister pointed to the growing role of government hospitals, highlighting that the number of patients receiving free treatment had risen from 2.5 lakh in 2021 to 6.5 lakh now.

UDF intensifies criticism, calls for commission

The Opposition UDF criticised the Health Department and announced the formation of a commission to study the state’s healthcare sector. A conclave would also be held, and findings submitted to the government.

Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan said Chirakkal’s post confirmed long-standing UDF concerns. “The real state of Kerala's healthcare system is far from the rosy picture being painted by the authorities using PR agencies,” he said.

He alleged that many government hospitals lacked basic materials, including surgical thread. “The health system in Kerala is on ventilator support,” he declared.