Will the Kerala Government Support the Family of the Woman Who Died in the Hospital Block Collapse?

Kottayam, July 5 (NationPress) The spouse of Bindu, a 56-year-old woman who tragically lost her life when a toilet block at the Kottayam Medical College hospital collapsed on Thursday, stated that the state government has pledged full assistance to their family.

In a media interaction on Saturday, he revealed that State Cooperation Minister V.N. Vasavan, who visited their residence, provided assurances of comprehensive support.

“We have been promised that the treatment for my daughter, who is currently receiving care at Kottayam Medical College Hospital, will be managed by the Kerala government. My son recently graduated in engineering and had just received his first paycheck when this tragedy struck. We are also seeking suitable employment for him. A financial package has been promised, pending a decision from the Kerala Cabinet,” the husband elaborated.

Additionally, Chandy Oommen, the Congress legislator and son of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, has pledged a sum of Rs 5 lakh from his late father's Charity Foundation.

“Bindu was our family’s main provider. We have received overwhelming support during this difficult time. I believe this tremendous outpouring of compassion is a reflection of her virtuous character and the goodness she imparted to others,” lamented the husband, who, despite his own health challenges, takes up casual labor when possible.

At the time of the incident, both Bindu, her husband, and their daughter, who was scheduled for surgery, were present in the hospital. Bindu entered the hospital restroom when the structure collapsed, trapping her beneath the debris.

Public outrage has surged against Vasavan and State Health Minister Veena George, who initially claimed that only two individuals had sustained minor injuries and that no one was trapped under the rubble.

However, Chandy Oommen raised concerns, suggesting that there could be someone buried in the debris, prompting the initiation of rescue operations that ultimately led to the recovery of Bindu's body.

This incident has ignited a significant uproar, with demands for the resignation of journalist-turned-politician George due to her inadequate management of the health sector.

The situation escalated when, shortly after M.V. Govindan, the state secretary of the CPI-M, accused the media and opposition parties of spreading unfounded claims against the government, news emerged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan would be traveling to the US for medical treatment.

His trip to the US, amidst claims of Kerala's superior healthcare system, has become a subject of ridicule on social media, leading many to question, 'If Kerala's healthcare is the best, why is Chief Minister Vijayan seeking treatment abroad?'

Even as calls for George's resignation grow louder and the opposition intensifies its campaign, the CPI-M has staunchly defended her position, dismissing any possibility of her stepping down.