Inquiry ordered into ICU operating under makeshift arrangements after fire at Thiruvananthapuram Hospital

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Human Rights Commission on Saturday ordered an urgent inquiry into allegations that the ICU at the government medical college hospital has been functioning under temporary cloth-covered arrangements following a fire incident a month ago.

Commission Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas issued the directive while taking up the matter on its own, based on media reports highlighting the severe difficulties faced by patients in the Intensive Care Unit, according to a statement, PTI reported.

The report stated that adequate facilities have yet to be restored, even a month after a fire broke out in a ventilator in the ICU, and that the unit is currently operating under makeshift arrangements covered with cloth.

Also Read:Thiruvananthapuram Medical College ICU Fire: Human Rights Panel seeks high-level probe

The complaint also points to delays on the part of the Public Works Department and the electrical wing in carrying out repair work in the damaged ICU.

In response, the commission has instructed the director of medical education to appoint a senior officer not below the rank of deputy director of medical education to conduct an immediate probe into the matter.

The officer has been asked to assess the situation, suggest remedial measures to ensure proper facilities in the ICU, and submit a comprehensive report to the commission within two weeks.

The PWD chief engineer has also been directed to depute an executive engineer to examine the steps required from the electrical wing and coordinate with hospital authorities to ensure the timely completion of repair works.

Further, the additional chief secretary of the health and family welfare department and the superintendent of the government medical college hospital have been asked to submit separate reports within two weeks after taking necessary corrective measures, reports PTI.

The commission has also directed senior officials representing the DME, the PWD chief engineer, the state government, and the hospital superintendent to appear in person before it on May 8 at 10 am to explain the facts of the case.

Also Read:Fire at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Surgical ICU; patients evacuated