State’s healthcare on ventilator: Satheesan

Kochi: Opposition leader V D Satheesan on Friday criticized the state's healthcare system, stating that it is currently "on a ventilator".Addressing a rally in Aluva on Friday as of the Puthu Yuga Yatra led by him, Satheesan charged that the much-vaunted ‘Kerala Model' of healthcare has collapsed under the weight of financial mismanagement and systemic neglect. He highlighted harrowing cases of medical negligence, specifically citing the failure to remove surgical equipment from a woman's abdomen at Alappuzha medical college and the long-standing ordeal of Harshina, who lived for years with forceps in her body."These incidents justify the opposition's charges that the health system of the state is on a ventilator. When the health department hides behind bureaucratic reports while victims suffer, the opposition must act," Satheesan said, noting that the UDF has stepped in to fund the medical expenses of those abandoned by the state. He criticized the govt's "lethargic attitude" towards the ongoing indefinite strike by medical college doctors, urging an immediate end to the impasse through dialogue.On other recent controversies, he demanded accountability for the 41-day "illegal arrest" of the Sabarimala head priest in the gold heist case. Pointing to the court's observation that no grounds for arrest existed, Satheesan insisted the special investigation team (SIT) be held answerable for the overreach. Addressing Aluva's logistical bottlenecks, Satheesan promised to complete the Seaport-Airport Road on a war footing to resolve the chronic congestion. Pinarayi govt looting treasury: Ramesh Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala accused the Pinarayi Vijayan-led govt of "looting the state treasury" to fuel their ambitions for a third consecutive term. Addressing reporters in Aluva, he alleged that Rs 20 crore from the information and public relations department is being used under the guise of the ‘Navakerala Survey' to deploy DYFI workers for door-to-door electioneering. He claimed that Rs 150 crore from KIIFB funds is also being diverted solely for election advertisements."Officials, including the chief secretary, must not be complicit in these illegal, anti-democratic manoeuvrers. When the govt changes, those responsible will have to answer," Chennithala said. He expressed absolute confidence that the UDF would return to power with a thumping majority of 100 seats. He also condemned the movie ‘The Kerala Story 2' terming it a part of a lobby intended to incite communal hatred. Taking a dig at former Union minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, Chennithala said "hired voices" like him have no place in the party. "Aiyar and others like him are people whose time is over. They have no role in this party. They are not part of this party," he said.