No Crisis at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College: DME

Thiruvananthapuram: Director of Medical Education (DME) Dr. Vishwanathan has dismissed the claims made by Dr. Haris Chirakkal in a Facebook post alleging a treatment crisis at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College.

Dr. Vishwanathan stated that Haris, who is the Head of the Urology Department, had responded emotionally and that an inquiry would be conducted into the matter. Following widespread reactions, Haris deleted the Facebook post.

In his post, Dr. Haris had alleged that surgeries were being postponed due to the unavailability of equipment. However, the DME refuted this, stating that four surgeries were conducted at the medical college yesterday itself.

He added that medical equipment is procured based on actual requirements and that stocking equipment in advance without immediate use could also cause issues. Dr. Vishwanathan further mentioned that around six necessary instruments for surgery were already in Dr. Haris’s possession. One surgery scheduled for the previous day was postponed due to a technical fault in an instrument, he clarified.

Dr. Vishwanathan said the reasons behind Haris’s post would be examined, especially since no other department heads at the medical college had raised similar allegations. Therefore, the incident involving Haris will be specifically looked into. He also confirmed that the issue has been brought to the attention of the Health Minister and that a detailed inquiry would follow.

When asked whether Haris’s post was intended to tarnish the reputation of the medical system, the DME replied, “It appears so.”