Opposition in Kerala Assembly criticizes government’s health handling

In the Kerala Legislative Assembly, the Opposition walked out in protest over a public health crisis affecting the state. They accused the government of being complacent and failing to address serious issues in the healthcare system. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan criticized the government's claim that Kerala was "number one" in health care, pointing out that many people were struggling to access needed services. During the session, P.C. Vishnunath, an MLA, called for an urgent discussion about incidents of medical negligence and the financial problems facing public hospitals. He explained that the government owed significant money to hospitals for free treatments, which contributed to a shortage of medicines and staff. With Health Minister Veena George absent due to health issues, Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh spoke for her. He defended the government's investments in health care and claimed that the Opposition was focusing on minor incidents to undermine the hard work of health professionals. Satheesan argued that many health achievements in Kerala occurred between 1947 and 1980 and pointed to worsening diseases like leptospirosis and Hepatitis A. He criticized cuts in health project funding and expressed concern over rising death rates in Kerala post-COVID-19. After the Speaker denied the request for an adjournment motion to discuss these issues, the Opposition decided to leave the assembly in protest.