Health Minister demands vigilance probe into construction of surgical bloc at Kottayam Medical College

Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has sought a vigilance probe into serious allegations of irregularities in the construction of the new surgical block at the Government Medical College, Kottayam, built at a cost of ₹270 crore.

In a letter to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, he called for a comprehensive investigation into alleged construction irregularities, technical flaws, lapses in execution and supervision, and financial misconduct. He has also asked the additional chief secretary of the health department to constitute a technical committee to inspect the building and assess its safety.

The committee has been asked to evaluate the building’s structural stability and identify construction defects. The additional chief secretary has also been directed to ensure that the shortcomings identified are rectified and immediate safety measures taken.The new surgical block, inaugurated on February 16, has witnessed repeated ceiling collapses within months of its opening. Serious defects have also been reported in the building’s civil, plumbing and electrical works.

“It is necessary to examine in detail whether the construction adhered to technical standards and whether adequate inspections and supervision were carried out to ensure quality,” the minister said, in a statement.

The vigilance probe will also examine compliance with contract terms, possible violations in subcontracting and lapses in project execution.