Missing Equipment Controversy: Thiruvananthapuram MCH HoD Urology alleges Evidence Tampering

According to Dr. Haris, the Morcelloscope, a piece of equipment earlier reported missing, was located during inspections conducted by various officials. On Tuesday, Medical College principal Dr. P. K. Jabbar entered the office, examined the devices, and documented them through photographs and videos. The next day, a larger team, including the principal, superintendent, deputy superintendent, clerical staff, and biomedical department members, revisited the office for further checks. “The key to my office was handed over to Assistant Professor Dr Johny Thomas John, who was instructed to surrender it if demanded by the superintendent or the principal,” he said.

Following this inspection, Dr. Haris alleged, the room was secured with an additional lock, restricting his access. He stated that the office houses critical materials such as the stock register, attendance records, dispatch register, examination answer sheets, video footage of exams, mark lists, and other confidential records — all of which could be vulnerable to tampering. “During the time of inquiry, stock verification and auditing, a personal attack is being mounted against me,” the doctor added, alleging that records could be manipulated in an attempt to implicate the doctor.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that a social media post by a leading senior urologist disclosing a shortage of surgical equipment and delays in surgeries for months at the state-run Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital gained widespread attention and landed him in an open fight against the health department, all for the sake of his patients. Dr Haris accused the authorities of ignoring the needs of poor patients and delaying vital surgical procedures.

He said that countless surgeries are either being cancelled or postponed due to the shortage of equipment. He alleged that many surgeries are only possible because patients themselves raise funds to buy equipment. Following this, the Kerala government has ordered an inquiry into the matter. It formed a four-member fact-finding expert committee to investigate serious allegations raised by Dr Haris. The committee has been tasked with submitting a detailed report and recommendations to the government at the earliest.

After the inquiry, a part of the medical equipment was missing from the department of Urology at the Thiruvananthapuram government medical college hospital (MCH). After the inspection, it was found that a part of the medical equipment was missing from the department of Urology at the Thiruvananthapuram government medical college hospital (MCH). The Director of Medical Education (DME) had issued a show cause notice to Dr. Haris Chirackal, asking why action should not be taken against him for criticising the government in violation of the Kerala Government Servants’ Conduct Rules,1960, causing disgrace to the government.