T’puram: Health minister K Muraleedharan alleged that certain foreign capital-backed interests associated with private hospitals were attempting to create the impression that govt hospitals across the state were plagued by systemic problems. He also claimed that some sections of the media were being used to further this narrative.The minister made the remarks during a function organised by All Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association (AKCDA) to hand over 100 hospital beds and foam mattresses to Govt Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, on Wednesday.Muraleedharan said patients were entitled not only to quality treatment and medicines but also to adequate in-patient facilities. He said the state govt’s Thudakkam initiative, launched to improve infrastructure in govt hospitals through sponsorships and the utilisation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds, would significantly enhance patient care across the state.He commended the AKCDA for contributing 100 hospital beds and mattresses under the initiative, describing it as a socially responsible intervention that would help strengthen public healthcare facilities.
