Has the Grievance Redressal Committee for Medical Institutions Been Formed by the Vijayan Government?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a recent development, the Kerala government has established a Grievance Redressal Committee under the Clinical Establishments Act following a tragic incident at Kottayam Medical College. This initiative aims to enhance safety standards in public medical facilities and address the growing concerns over patient safety.
Key Takeaways
- The Kerala government has established a Grievance Redressal Committee.
- This step follows a tragic incident at Kottayam Medical College.
- The committee aims to enhance safety standards in public health facilities.
- Criticism arose over the government's delay in implementing necessary regulations.
- Rehabilitation measures have been announced for the affected family.
Kochi, Aug 20 (NationPress) The government of Kerala has informed the High Court that it has established a Grievance Redressal Committee as mandated by the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2018. This announcement was made before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji while addressing a writ petition that calls for the enforcement of safety protocols in public medical institutions.
This petition was prompted by the tragic incident involving the collapse of a bathroom structure at Kottayam Medical College, which resulted in the death of 56-year-old Bindhu, who was present for her daughter’s surgical procedure.
The incident sparked significant backlash after it was revealed that a rescue operation faced delays.
In response to the tragedy, Health Minister Veena George and Ports Minister V.N. Vasavan visited the scene and initially stated that no individuals were trapped under the wreckage.
However, it was later discovered that Bindhu was indeed trapped beneath the debris.
The opposition Congress party subsequently claimed that her death was a result of negligence in the rescue response.
The court expressed serious concerns regarding the state’s inability to draft necessary regulations under the 2018 Act, which is supposed to ensure regular inspections of clinical facilities, including government hospitals, even seven years post-enactment.
It also criticized the lack of a Grievance Redressal Committee for nearly 18 months after the previous committee's term ended in 2024.
On this day, the government assured the court that the required regulations would be established within three months.
The court instructed the state to submit its commitments in the form of an affidavit by the next hearing, which is scheduled for August 26.
The Congress party has called for a judicial investigation into the Kottayam event.
On the day of the incident, state Congress President Sunny Joseph and senior party leaders visited the hospital complex, accusing the government of gross negligence and attempting to minimize the severity of the situation.
In contrast, the Pinarayi Vijayan government opted for an investigation by the District Collector rather than a judicial inquiry.
Following the incident, the government announced rehabilitation initiatives, including offering a government job to Bindhu’s son and covering her daughter’s medical expenses.
Point of View
We stand firmly with the public's right to safe healthcare. The establishment of a Grievance Redressal Committee by the Kerala government is a critical step toward accountability. We must ensure that such tragedies are not repeated and that our healthcare systems adhere to the highest safety standards.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Grievance Redressal Committee?
The committee aims to address grievances related to clinical establishments and ensure compliance with safety standards in healthcare.
What prompted the formation of the committee?
The committee was formed in response to the tragic incident at Kottayam Medical College, where a building collapse led to a loss of life.
What actions has the government taken post-incident?
The government has announced rehabilitation measures, including a job offer to Bindhu's son and covering her daughter's medical expenses.
When is the next court hearing scheduled?
The next hearing is set for August 26.
What has the opposition called for?
The Congress party has demanded a judicial probe into the Kottayam incident.
