KOLLAM: The Kottarakkara taluk hospital, where hundreds of poor patients seek treatment daily, is ailing due to alleged corruption. The hospital lacks sufficient beds, consistent supply of water and leak-proof building despite spending huge funds from various government agencies. The infrastructure is in bad shape owing to the poor construction and maintenance work during the last five years.
“Construction works worth crores of rupees take place in the hospital but the public is unaware of the corruption associated with the works. The maintenance work of a building was done for Rs 95.5 lakh by the sole contractor who took part in the tender, but the money was looted," said R. Girijakumari, former block panchayat member of Kottarakkara.
A Vigilance inquiry at the hospital based on a complaint filed by Ms Girijakumari found financial misappropriation. No action was allegedly taken against the nursing superintendent and a senior clerk despite recommendation for departmental action by the Vigilance. An inquiry by the LSGD chief engineer has found corruption of over Rs 35 lakh.
Ms Girijakumari also said that a rest room built for Rs. 9.5 lakh had collapsed while the construction was under progress. She had approached the Ombudsman on the issue and an inquiry was conducted by the assistant executive engineer with the block panchayat. The building's roof was now leaking, she said.
