T’puram: The head of the urology department at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, Dr Haris Chirakkal, is set to face department-level disciplinary action for highlighting the shortage of surgical implants in the department through a social media post.“The greatest helplessness for the head of a department at the govt medical college is the lack of availability of necessary equipment for treatment. Many surgeries were postponed today (Friday). Hundreds of people, who cannot afford private hospitals, seek refuge at the Thiruvananthapuram govt medical college. On one side, numerous ordinary people suffering from severe pain and serious kidney diseases need treatment, while on the other side, there is a shortage of equipment and officials uninterested in solving the issue, entangled in bureaucratic procedures. The doctors and department head find themselves in a state of helplessness,” said Dr Haris in the social media post.However, Dr K V Vishwanathan, director of medical education, said the report about surgeries being halted in the urology department of the medical college hospital due to lack of equipment was misleading. “A doctor mentioned on social media that a technical issue arose only because a piece of equipment unexpectedly broke down and needed replacement. The govt has provided all necessary equipment for the urology department at the medical college hospital. The urology department has been allocated more funds than what was initially approved for purchasing equipment,” the DME said.But Dr Haris stood by his allegation and said the delay in acquiring equipment was purely technical and the issue lasted only a day, following the health department’s explanation. However, after health department’s clarification, Dr Haris withdrew his social media post. Dr Haris told the media that the issues he raised still persist. He said he is not retracting the comments made in the post. The same issue was reported to minister’s office but it remains unresolved. Dr Haris explained that the post was withdrawn as requested by the DME and others, who assured him that the problem would be addressed.
