T’puram: State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas has directed that Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) should urgently examine the demand to exempt the Medical College campus and adjoining areas from power cuts.The direction was issued to the KSEB chief engineer following a complaint submitted by former deputy mayor P K Raju. The Medical College campus houses several major healthcare institutions, including Govt Medical College Hospital (MCH), Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), SAT Hospital and Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology.According to the complaint, the hospitals together have around 50,000 beds. Hundreds of lodges also operate in and around the campus, accommodating patients undergoing treatment and their relatives.The complainant said power supply was being disrupted three to four times a day in the name of power cuts, causing considerable difficulties for patients, their attendants and others staying in the area. Given the presence of major hospitals and the large number of patients and bystanders, the complaint sought exemption for the Medical College campus and surrounding areas from scheduled power cuts.The human rights commission has directed the KSEB to submit a report within three weeks. The commission will consider further action after receiving the report.
