KOCHI: State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) is examining the deal to entrust the cath lab and dialysis unit of Cooperative Academy of Professional Education’s (CAPE) Sagara Hospital, Alappuzha, with Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) here.
SHRC chairman Justice J. B. Koshy on Tuesday asked the chief secretary, director of medical education and director of CAPE to furnish on November 11, the details of the MoU reached between the two.
Taking note of a DC report lawyer T. B. Mini presented, he said there was suspicion of corruption in the mind of the petitioner, and hence all details need to be examined to understand the nature of the deal.
He also observed that the handing over of a public asset worth crores of rupees to private hands was surprising.
He had earlier said the Kochi Cancer Centre OP should be started at the Ernakulam Government Medical College (EGMC) after addressing its deficiencies.
“He was surprised to know that there is no full-time cardiologist at the EGMC,” said Ms Mini. “He’s surprised at the turn of events now.”
She said that the state government had the responsibility of taking over the Sagara Hospital which once functioned as the satellite hospital of the medical college.
“Since the EGMC does not have a cath lab, the one at Sagara should be shifted to EGMC,” she said.
Meanwhile, the students and teachers of EGMC are preparing to petition Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to shift the cathlab to EGMC.
“When the CM comes for the inauguration of the science park of Kalamassery Municipality on Friday, we will submit a memorandum,” college union chairman, Ismail M. K. said.
Teachers’ union president Dr Nazeem C. H. said augmenting the super speciality facilities at the medical college was a must for the growth of the college.
