'Building not functional since 2012'; Minister Veena George responds to Kottayam MCH tragedy

KOTTAYAM: Amidst strong protests, Health Minister Veena George responded to the tragic death of a patient's bystander in Kottayam Medical College Hospital. The minister reiterated that the building was not functional and had been closed long ago. The district collector has been tasked with investigating the incident and submitting a report.

Veena George:

“The accident occurred in the toilet block adjacent to the surgical block of the medical college. I was in a meeting with the Chief Minister. As soon as I learned about the incident, I, along with Minister Vasavan, reached the medical college. There were no errors in the rescue operation. It was difficult to get the JCB there as the path was narrow and covered with buildings. The JCB was brought there after cutting the grill of a building. Throughout the rescue operation, we stayed at the site to monitor the work. At first glimpse, I thought the people trapped under the debris suffered from injuries not serious.

Due to its dilapidated state, the building has been closed since 2012. The reconstruction was planned, but COVID delayed the works. An eight-storey building was built during 2021-22. A meeting was held on May 30 regarding shifting to this building. The district collector has been tasked with investigating the incident and submitting a report. More details will come out soon.”