K. Muraleedharan has requested an investigation into alleged irregularities at a surgical block built for Rs 270 crore.
Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has requested a Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) investigation into alleged irregularities regarding the construction of a new surgical block at the Government Medical College in Kottayam. According to The Hindu, the minister wrote to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala seeking a probe into technical flaws, financial misconduct, and lapses in supervision of the Rs 270 crore project.
The surgical block, which was inaugurated on February 16, has reportedly experienced multiple ceiling collapses within months of opening. The minister's office stated that serious defects have also been reported in the building's electrical, plumbing, and civil works.
Muraleedharan has directed the additional chief secretary of the health department to form a technical committee to evaluate the structural stability of the facility. This committee is tasked with identifying construction defects and recommending urgent safety measures and corrective actions.
The proposed investigation will also look into whether the construction met technical standards and if the contractor violated contract terms by subcontracting work to other agencies. The minister said it is necessary to determine if adequate quality inspections were performed during the project.
The minister stated that the government's priority is the safety of healthcare workers and patients at the hospital. He has called for the investigations to be completed and reports to be submitted early.
