Residents flag poor infrastructure at Karuvelipadi taluk hospital

Lack of basic facilities, infrastructure and specialist doctors has left the Government Maharajas Taluk Hospital at Karuvelipadi in a deteriorating condition, residents allege.

The hospital caters primarily to residents of Kannamali, Kumbalangi, Thoppumpadi, Karuvelipadi, Chullikal, Chellanam, and Palluruthi, among other areas.

According to residents, the absence of adequate facilities has discouraged people from opting for inpatient treatment at the hospital. The presence of snakes and stray dogs on the premises has further driven patients away. “Almost all medical cases are referred to Ernakulam General Hospital as there are no facilities to treat them here,” said Ismail Muhammed Ali, a resident.

Residents also alleged that the hospital’s own ambulance services remain unused, forcing them to depend on private providers. “The two ambulances owned by the hospital are lying idle and deteriorating. As we cannot depend on the hospital even for minor medical needs, we are compelled to approach private hospitals and pay exorbitant charges,” said Firoz Thangal, a resident.

Kavitha Harikumar, councillor of Division 8, Karuvelipadi, said the hospital is in a deplorable state and lacks basic amenities. “Many residents depend on the hospital for medical care. Its proper functioning and the provision of essential services must be ensured at the earliest. Urgent intervention will be undertaken to construct a compound wall and address the issue of stray dogs,” she said.

She added that the Hospital Management Committee is being reconstituted and that immediate corrective measures would follow.

Residents pointed out that the hospital continues to function in a centuries-old building. The neglect is evident in the unclean premises and overgrown surroundings. Stray dogs roam not only within the compound but also inside the hospital. As a result, many patients opt for private hospitals or travel long distances to Ernakulam General Hospital for treatment, Mr. Ali added.

The proposal to upgrade the Taluk Hospital and construct a super-speciality block was approved by KIIFB six years ago. On February 18, 2021, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the construction of the block. However, residents allege that the project has seen little progress since.

K.J. Maxy, MLA, said the delay was due to issues involving the implementing agency and the contractor. “The KIIFB funds have not lapsed. Preparations are underway for the retendering process,” he said.