Thiruvananthapuram: State human rights commission (SHRC) chairperson, Justice Alexander Thomas, instructed the municipal secretary and district medical officer to complete the renovation of the wards at Valiyathura coastal specialty hospital within two months to ensure inpatient care. This hospital is relied upon by the local coastal community.The order was issued following a complaint regarding the discontinuation of inpatient services, a press release said. The order noted that the hospital provided 24-hour inpatient care before the COVID-19 pandemic. Inpatient services have been discontinued over the past five years. It is understood that ward renovations are currently under way. Justice Alexander Thomas stated in the order that indefinitely delaying inpatient care is unjustifiable. The commission previously issued an interim order on April 8, 2025, to resume inpatient and 24-hour services within two months. The municipal secretary and district medical officer informed the commission that 24-hour outpatient services are available at the hospital. They also reported that once the roofing and ward renovations are completed, 24-hour inpatient care will begin. The report mentioned that a health grant of Rs 15 lakh is expected to be received in 2025-26 fiscal year. The district medical officer’s report stated that solar panels installed by ANERT are being replaced as part of the ongoing renovations. Measures to address leaks in the hospital are under way. The municipal secretary also noted that the 15th finance commission allocated a health grant for establishing diagnostic infrastructure at the hospital. The action was taken following a complaint, the press release said.
