Pinarayi Vijayan Criticises UDF Government’s Handling of Nipah Situation; Calls for Greater Vigilance

Thiruvananthapuram: Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan strongly criticised the Health Department, alleging that it is not treating the Nipah situation with the seriousness it requires.

He said that Nipah is an issue that must be handled with utmost seriousness and that both the Health Department and the government should take the lead in ensuring the healthcare system is fully prepared to respond.

According to him, such proactive intervention has not been visible from the government so far.

He further stated that although recent Health Ministers in Keralam have not been medical graduates, previous administrations had demonstrated how government systems, including the Health Department, could remain fully prepared during severe Nipah outbreaks and carry out timely interventions at every stage.

Pinarayi Vijayan criticised the current situation by saying that the Health Minister had not yet visited the affected area or directly intervened. He argued that the presence of the Health Minister could help mobilise officials and strengthen preparedness efforts.

He added that the seriousness of Nipah is well known and said that the government had not yet shown the level of vigilance required for such a situation, urging stronger action moving forward.