Is Support Growing for Whistleblower Kerala Doctor?

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 8 (NationPress) Support is rapidly increasing for Dr. Haris Chirackal of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, who has alleged he is being persecuted for revealing corruption and systemic issues within Kerala's healthcare system.

On Friday, Principal P.K. Jabbar refuted these allegations, asserting that missing surgical tools were discovered in Chirackal's office.

However, both V.D. Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers' Association (KGMCTA) have openly supported the doctor.

During Jabbar's press conference, a moment of intrigue occurred when the hospital's Superintendent, sitting alongside him, received a phone call.

The Superintendent was heard directing Jabbar to present the report “as instructed” by the caller, a moment that has since garnered significant attention, casting doubt on the intentions behind the actions against Chirackal.

“It’s becoming increasingly clear that there is a group targeting Chirackal,” Satheesan remarked to the media.

“We will do everything in our power to defend him. We will not permit him to be victimized by this,” Satheesan added.

KGMCTA members echoed this sentiment, questioning the rationale behind the measures taken against Chirackal and are set to approach the state government for an independent investigation.

Chirackal claims that the Principal, Superintendent, and Deputy Superintendent entered his office without his consent, altered files, and may have attempted to frame him.

He asserts that his office contained significant documents and expensive surgical instruments, and that the inspection was done without following proper procedures.

In a correspondence to KGMCTA, he also highlighted the lack of CCTV coverage around his office and alleged that another key was utilized to lock it after the inspection.

The doctor faced scrutiny after disclosing shortages of surgical equipment at the medical college.

He has yet to respond to a show-cause notice from the Director of Medical Education, indicating he will reply only after he receives the inquiry committee's findings.

He maintained that he requested the necessary equipment in March and June, contradicting the government's assertion that they were not informed.

During his Friday press conference, Principal Jabbar dismissed claims of misconduct, stating that the office inspection was a standard procedure conducted only by authorized personnel.

Jabbar claimed that “irregularities” were uncovered, including the surgical tools that were previously reported missing. He noted that the item was found in a new box with a purchase invoice dated August 2, and that photographs of the recovered item did not match earlier images of the missing tools.

CCTV footage reportedly indicates someone entered the room, although the date has yet to be verified.

An expert committee has flagged the issue concerning the missing equipment, while Chirackal maintains that it was present in the medical facility.