Kerala Health Minister Mocks Opposition in Assembly, Claims No Cure for Losing Power
Keralas Health Minister K. Muraleedharan ridicules opposition claims about healthcare shortages during an assembly debate, igniting heated exchanges.
Thiruvananthapuram, October 13 (Daily Kiran) : Kerala’s Health Minister K. Muraleedharan stirred controversy on Tuesday during an assembly session in Thiruvananthapuram, mocking the leftist opposition. He remarked that there is only one medication unavailable in the state: the remedy for those suffering from losing power. This comment came amid a debate over alleged shortages of medicines in government hospitals.
The exchange intensified when CPI(M) legislator K.V. Sumes introduced a motion regarding a crisis in the healthcare sector, claiming that the state’s health system is on life support. Muraleedharan dismissed the opposition’s claims, asserting that the issues they raised do not exist within the health department.
The minister criticized the previous LDF government for failing to issue purchase orders for medicines in March, attributing this to the model code of conduct. He also accused the previous administration of not settling significant debts owed to pharmaceutical companies. According to him, only 24 types of medicines are currently in short supply, and immediate measures have been taken to address this issue.
Sumes rebuked the minister for downplaying the situation, questioning why the public elected the current government if it only seeks to highlight the shortcomings of its predecessor. He cited media reports about the medicine shortage, urging the minister to grasp the realities facing his department.
The opposition alleged that political motivations were behind recent transfers and called for the chief minister‘s intervention. Muraleedharan countered by accusing the opposition of speaking on behalf of agents, labeling their claims as exaggerated, which sparked renewed protests.
Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the minister’s approach to responding to allegations. He also took aim at the Speaker, questioning whether the assembly should operate in such a manner. Vijayan pointed out that the minister acknowledged some shortages of medicines, asking if this would not be classified as a deficiency. He also raised concerns over potential deals involving private hospitals amid the crisis. The Speaker denied permission for the motion, prompting the opposition to walk out of the assembly.
