Thiruvananthapuram, January 28 – Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan firmly dismissed opposition allegations in the state assembly on Wednesday, rejecting claims that the public health system is on the brink of collapse. He asserted that Kerala’s health sector continues to serve as a national benchmark, showcasing resilience and excellence amid challenges.
Responding to a suspension motion moved by the Congress-led UDF over an alleged ‘severe health crisis,’ Vijayan highlighted the government’s transformative reforms and substantial investments. He pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kerala built extensive health infrastructure and managed an unprecedented public health emergency with remarkable success.
Under the LDF government, initiatives like the ‘Aardram Mission’ have revolutionized public hospitals, enhancing patient care and bolstering primary health services. ‘These structural changes are being deliberately overlooked by the opposition,’ Vijayan remarked, accusing them of amplifying isolated incidents to portray systemic failure.
The Chief Minister warned that such narratives undermine a health system globally recognized for its effectiveness. He emphasized the government’s proactive approach: whenever lapses occur, immediate interventions and corrective measures follow as part of an ongoing improvement process.
This robust defense came after Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan delivered a scathing speech, charging the government with healthcare collapse. Satheesan cited staff shortages, lack of emergency facilities, medical negligence, treatment delays, and inadequate infrastructure in medical colleges and district hospitals. He claimed the system is ‘on ventilator support’ and accused the health department of rarely holding anyone accountable through inquiry committees.
Satheesan also lamented the neglect of UDF-initiated medical colleges and rising reliance on expensive private hospitals, burdening ordinary citizens. The heated debate underscores the deepening political divide in Kerala, with the opposition insisting on a crisis and the government touting its reform record.
As assembly elections loom, health – a pivotal social issue – promises intensified clashes, shaping the political discourse in the coming months.