Satheesan calls for Minister’s resignation citing crisis in Kerala’s health sector – 1v1 Video Chat & LIve Streaming & Influencer Subscription

By The Hindu Bureau

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has accused the Left Democratic Front (LDF) of gross negligence in the health sector and demanded the resignation of Health Minister Veena George following the tragic incident at Kottayam Government Medical College Hospital where a woman lost her life after a building collapsed.

Addressing the media at Chalakudy on Saturday, Mr. Satheesan alleged that instead of coordinating rescue efforts, two Ministers merely arrived at the scene to deliver speeches, further delaying critical response time. “The Ministers claimed that the building was sealed and that no one was inside. The rescue operations started only after the intervention of Chandy Oommen, MLA,” he said.

Mr. Satheesan recalled how during the COVID-19 crisis, Congress leaders like V.K. Sreekandan and Shafi Parambil attempted to help migrant workers with essentials like drinking water, only to be labelled “merchants of death” by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)]. “Now, who really fits that label?” he asked.

Mr. Satheesan alleged that the entire health system is on a ventilator, and the Health Minister stands guilty before the public. “She is repeatedly making mistakes, and yet the party is shielding her. Even doctors and officials aligned with the Left admits the truth,” he said, demanding her immediate resignation.

“The PR machinery is working overtime to shield the government. But we will expose every act of negligence and corruption in the health sector,” Mr. Satheesan said.

Communicable diseases

Highlighting the deteriorating state of public hospitals, he pointed out that Kerala now leads the country in communicable diseases, yet government hospitals lack basic drugs and surgical equipment. The government reportedly owes ₹1,100 crore to the Kerala Medical Services Corporation alone.

“In places like Kozhikode and Thrissur Government Medical College Hospitals, patients are forced to carry scissors, thread, and cotton to hospitals,” he added.

“The health sector is in shambles, and the people are paying the price for the government’s arrogance and incompetence,” the Opposition Leader said. ”The Health Minister must take the responsibility and step down. This is no longer a political demand, but a moral necessity.”