Overview

• A four-member government panel has submitted recommendations to simplify and speed up the purchase of high-cost medical devices and its report is under cabinet review
• Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital recently resumed halted urology surgeries once probe-related equipment was fast-tracked through emergency procurement
• Minister Saji Cherian issued a Facebook clarification saying his praise for Amrita Hospital was distorted and he remains committed to strengthening government health facilities
• Opposition leaders led by BJP’s Rajeev Chandrasekhar have stepped up criticism of the LDF’s healthcare claims following a building collapse at Kottayam Medical College and reports of stalled procedures
• Persistent delays in equipment delivery and staffing shortfalls continue to raise questions about the state’s ability to maintain its once-lauded public health model