UDF – LDF Spar Over Spread Of Diseases In Assembly

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The opposition LDF in Kerala criticised the UDF government on Monday, accusing it of a complete failure in preventing the spread of diseases in the state, including Shigella Nipah, dengue, and cholera.

Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan blasted the government for not putting in place effective preventive measures after a Nipah case was reported in Kozhikode. He noted that Health Minister K. Muraleedharan, who should have been in the district to oversee measures, was absent.

The minister himself admitted to a lack of coordination between the health department and local self-government bodies. The opposition also pointed out that five districts currently lack a functioning District Medical Officer (DMO) and that there is a delay in appointing 390 doctors who have already been issued appointment memos after being included in the PSC rank list.

He said transferring senior officials like the Director of Health Services (DHS) at such a critical time should have been avoided.

Opposition LDF MLAs staged a walkout and boycotted the assembly proceedings after Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan did not permit their notice for an adjournment motion on the alleged failure of the UDF government to prevent the spread of diseases in the state.’

Earlier, CPM MLA P A Mohammad Riyas and CPI MLA G R Anil hauled up the government, citing the mishandling of the health crisis in the state. The MLA noted that Kerala has reported 87 deaths from various viral infections since June 1. The former minister urged the government ensure proper coordination between departments and officials for effective disease prevention and control measures.

Health Minister K. Muraleedharan blamed the previous LDF government for the poor state of affairs in the health sector. He said the LDF had failed to take proper steps for disease prevention and control, including cleaning activities during the initial months of the year when they were in power.

He noted that at present only one case of Nipah has been reported and that effective measures have been taken to prevent its spread. He also questioned the LDF on how many deaths occurred due to Nipah during their tenure.

The minister added that the UDF government does not want to hide the situation on the or claim everything is fine. “Our focus is on controlling the spread of diseases and involving the people in the efforts,” he said.

He said steps are being taken to check the spread of dengue, including destroying mosquitoes at the source. Dry day campaigns have been initiated across the state, including in government offices, schools, homes, and residential areas. Food safety officials have directed to step up checks at hotels, restaurants, roadside eateries, thattukadas, bottling plants, and drinking water sources to prevent waterborne diseases.

The minister said a high-power committee of experts has been set up to study the factors behind the spread of contagious diseases and to prepare an epidemic calendar along with measures for prevention, control, and treatment. He also stated that no Ebola cases have been reported in state. The samples of the woman suspected to have Ebola symptoms were sent to the lab, and she tested negative.