SHRC Directs DMO to inspect Valiathura Coastal Hospital

Thiruvananthapuram: The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has directed the District Medical Officer (DMO) to assess the infrastructure at Coastal Speciality Hospital in Valiathura, to determine its readiness to resume inpatient and 24/7 services. The inspection aims to address concerns about the hospital’s capacity to provide round-the-clock medical care, which was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commission chairperson Alexander Thomas emphasized the importance of understanding the specific infrastructure needs for restarting services. The DMO has been asked to provide a detailed report within six months, which should include details such as the number of doctors, nurses, and other staff needed at the hospital; the current staff strength; the number of beds in the hospital; and whether it has the infrastructure required to restart inpatient treatment.  

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As per the recent media report by The Hindu, the city Corporation Secretary told the commission that according to a circular issued by the Local Self-government department on October 25, 2023, there was permission to appoint only one doctor and one paramedical staff member in the hospital under the Corporation.

The SHRC’s intervention follows a petition filed by Valiathura resident Jerome Meeran, who raised concerns over the lack of medical services in the area.

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