Kunnathunad MLA V P Sajeendran has alleged large-scale irregularities in the construction of Covid-era isolation wards at government hospitals across Kerala and sought a special investigation team probe into the projects. He has also demanded action against the agencies involved, including their blacklisting if wrongdoing is established.
In letters to home minister Ramesh Chennithala and health minister K Muraleedharan, Sajeendran alleged that corruption running into crores of rupees took place during the previous Left Democratic Front government’s period. He sought a comprehensive investigation into the planning, construction and equipping of the isolation wards.
The MLA said he noticed the condition of an isolation ward during a visit to Vadavucode hospital in his constituency. According to his account, the building was overgrown with weeds and appeared unused. He said a subsequent inquiry indicated that similar conditions existed at other centres across the state.
The isolation ward programme was announced in Kerala’s 2021-22 budget, with permission granted to construct facilities at 88 centres. The allocation was Rs 1.83 crore per centre, covering construction and the purchase of equipment. Kerala Medical Services Corporation Ltd was assigned responsibility for procuring the equipment, according to the report.
Sajeendran alleged that even buildings recorded as completed did not have the facilities required for inpatient treatment. He cited missing air conditioning and toilets, along with incomplete electrical, plumbing and civil works. The MLA said these shortcomings raised questions about how buildings intended for urgent infectious-disease preparedness became unusable.
The construction work was entrusted to Kifcon and the Thrissur District Labour Contract Co-operative Society, whose roles Sajeendran has asked investigators to examine. He also demanded an investigation into the role of former health minister Veena George in the alleged irregularities in the health sector.
The allegations have not been established through an investigation cited in the report. The immediate issue is whether the state government will constitute the requested SIT, verify the completion records and assess the condition and functionality of the 88 facilities. The report does not state that an SIT has been formed or that the agencies named have been blacklisted.
