Panel backs Dr Haris’ allegations, report still withheld

Thiruvananthapuram: A four-member committee appointed by the Kerala government to investigate the revelations made by Dr CH Haris, Head of the Urology Department at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, has substantiated his claims in its report. Dr Haris had publicly stated that the system in medical colleges was in complete disarray, prompting the government to form the committee.

Key findings from the committee’s report surfaced soon after Health Minister Veena George made a public statement highlighting only a limited portion of it, which noted that certain components of a medical device were missing from Dr Haris’ department. However, the Health Department has not yet released the full report to the public.

In a show-cause notice served to Dr Haris, it was claimed that the expert committee had found the device he referred to was, in fact, available in the department on the same day he alleged that surgeries had to be cancelled due to the absence of a lithoclast probe. It further stated that a surgery using the device was successfully conducted the very next day.

However, the report included a statement from Dr Saju, Head of the Second Unit, who clarified that the surgery was conducted using a cheaper device that was available to him. The report concludes that Dr Haris made his disclosure with good intentions. Nevertheless, it also notes that a protocol violation occurred and suggests that such actions should not be encouraged.

Patients made to pay for equipment, says report
The report confirmed that, as Dr Haris had stated, two surgeries—including one involving a student—had to be postponed due to the unavailability of the lithoclast probe, which had been damaged. Aware of the administrative delays typically involved in procurement, Dr Haris had attempted to initiate the purchase process in advance. Despite this, most equipment orders were delayed by three to five months, with some files getting stuck even at the Collector’s office.

The report identified the lack of adequate financial autonomy as a key reason behind such delays. Medical College Superintendents are currently granted financial powers based on outdated pricing standards from years ago. The report recommended revising this financial limit.

It further revealed that, in several instances, equipment was purchased by collecting up to ₹4,000 from patients—a practice the report says must be stopped immediately. It also called for the recruitment of staff through the Public Service Commission (PSC) in critical departments, enhancement of financial autonomy for superintendents, and the appointment of administrative officers in key units.