Thiruvananthapuram: A shocking picture of healthcare infrastructure has emerged from the Government Medical College Hospital, where critically ill patients are reportedly being treated in makeshift intensive care units crudely covered with cloth and bandages, raising serious concerns over patient safety and administrative delays.
The crisis traces back to a fire incident on March 17 inside the multi-super specialty block, which rendered a key ICU facility non-functional. The blaze is believed to have originated from a ventilator, possibly due to a short circuit, forcing an emergency evacuation of dozens of critically ill patients.
More than a month after the incident, the damaged ICU has not been restored, leaving hospital authorities struggling to manage patients in temporary arrangements. These improvised ICUs, reportedly shielded using cloth partitions, have drawn sharp criticism, especially as Kerala often projects its healthcare system as being of “world-class quality.”
Doctors within the institution have flagged the situation as a “serious crisis,” warning that such temporary setups expose vulnerable patients to heightened risks, including infections and compromised emergency care. Department heads have formally communicated their concerns to hospital authorities, stressing the urgent need for restoration of proper ICU facilities.
The aftermath of the fire has also been marred by controversy. Allegations surfaced that multiple patient deaths occurred following the evacuation, though hospital officials have denied any direct link between the incident and fatalities. Meanwhile, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission has called for a high-level probe into the incident amid claims of lapses in emergency response and patient care.
Despite assurances from authorities that the ICU will soon be made operational, the continued delay has intensified public scrutiny. Families of patients and healthcare observers alike are questioning how a premier government hospital could remain in such a compromised state weeks after a critical incident.
The unfolding situation has become a stark reminder that infrastructure failures even in reputed institutions can quickly spiral into humanitarian concerns when timely corrective action is absent.