The Lokayukta Division Bench has directed the Kerala government to clarify its stance on establishing the proposed Wayanad Medical College in Madakkimala. This order comes in response to a petition filed by the Medical College Registered Action Council, functioning under the State Human Rights Protection Centre, which requested a formal directive to be issued to the government.

The bench, comprising Lokayukta Justice N Anil Kumar and Upa Lokayukta V Shircy, issued the directive during a camp sitting at the Kozhikode Guest House. The court intervened after the senior government pleader requested additional time for the key respondents to file their reply statements.

Policy decision required
While the government pleader pointed out that the Wayanad District Collector had already submitted a reply, the bench noted that it could not accept the Collector’s response as the definitive word on the matter. Since the establishment of the medical college is a major policy decision, the Lokayukta observed that the primary respondents — namely the Chief Secretary, the Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, and the state Health Minister — must officially clarify the government's position.

An urgent need for tribal healthcare
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the Lokayukta emphasised that Wayanad remains an underdeveloped district where residents, particularly those from tribal communities, are forced to travel to distant districts for emergency medical treatment. The court noted that the severe travel hardships and lack of immediate healthcare access in the region make this an issue of utmost priority.

Consequently, the Lokayukta ordered the top three respondents to submit an explanatory statement outlining the government’s plan, including the final proposed location for the medical college. Direct copies of the order will be sent to the officials concerned. The case is scheduled for its next hearing on 14 Oct. Senior advocates VP Eldho, Sheeba Mathew, Abdul Salam, and Nisha N Bhasi appeared on behalf of the Medical College Action Committee.