Rs 100 crore sanctioned to tackle supply shortages at Kerala Hospitals

Thiruvananthapuram: In response to a growing healthcare crisis caused by mounting arrears to drug and surgical suppliers, the Kerala health department has sanctioned Rs 100 crore to stabilise operations in both government and private hospitals.

According to the news reports, out of the total amount sanctioned by the State Health Agency, ₹65 crore will be allocated to government hospitals, while ₹35 crore is earmarked for private hospitals. In addition, the finance department has released interim funds to key institutions, including ₹50 crore to the Kerala Medical Services Corporation Ltd (KMSCL), to start clearing pending dues.

Despite these efforts, suppliers remain firm on their stance — refusing to resume deliveries until full payments for pending invoices from February 2024 to March 2025 are credited to their accounts.

Also Read:Kerala Govt Hospitals Crisis: Budget cuts, Equipment shortages spark Controversy

According to TOI, the equipment shortage has led to a crisis in medical colleges, including those in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. Highlighting the situation where surgeries are being disrupted, the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College cardiology department head sent a letter to the hospital superintendent. Meanwhile, Kozhikode Medical College, which is facing a shortage of stents at its cath labs, is purchasing them at a higher price from outside.

The crisis is most acute in major medical colleges, including those in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. In a letter to the hospital superintendent on Tuesday, the head of the cardiology department highlighted the severity of the crisis, warning that surgical procedures could be disrupted. The disruption stems from an outstanding payment of Rs 158 crore owed by 21 government hospitals across the state, leading supply companies to halt equipment distribution from September 1.

Thiruvananthapuram Medical College alone has pending dues amounting to ₹29.56 lakh. While no surgeries have been officially postponed yet, hospital authorities have expressed concern that the situation could deteriorate rapidly if suppliers do not resume services soon.

Also Read:Kerala Govt Hospitals told not to charge poor patients