‘35 files directed for action withheld’; Minister Muraleedharan hits out at health principal secretary

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister K Muraleedharan demanded the removal of Sharmila Mary Joseph from the post of principal secretary, health department. The minister met the chief minister and raised his demand. The minister complained that the principal secretary is withholding 35 files that he had recommended for action. He also alleged that the principal secretary is not conducting several major investigations that he had ordered within the department.

The minister is raising serious allegations, including delaying approvals for crucial decisions and submitting reports in a manner that protects the previous government regarding KMSCL (Kerala Medical Services Corporation Limited) irregularities. The minister also has a complaint that there is a lack of coordination at the top bureaucratic level in properly addressing the shortage of drugs. The dispute between the health minister and the principal secretary is unfolding at a time when epidemics are spreading across the state and there is a severe shortage of essential medicines, including those for fever.

Meantime, Sharmila Mary has come forward rejecting these allegations. Sharmila's explanation is that she does not take political decisions and merely executes her duties as an official.