Kerala Opposition Walks Out Over Government's Disease Response

The Opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) staged a walkout and boycotted proceedings in the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Monday after Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan disallowed their notice for an adjournment motion. The motion had sought to discuss the United Democratic Front (UDF) government's handling of disease outbreaks, including Nipah, Shigella, and other viral infections.

Health Minister K. Muraleedharan provided an explanation of the government's steps to manage the outbreaks, following which the Speaker declined to admit the motion. Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan alleged a delay in preventive measures after a Nipah case was reported in Kozhikode. He criticised the Health Minister for not being present in Kozhikode immediately after the case was reported, contrasting it with the practice during the LDF government's tenure.

Vijayan also pointed to a lack of coordination between the Health and Local Self-Government departments, as acknowledged by the Minister himself. He called for the government to take everyone along for effective prevention. He urged immediate appointment of District Medical Officers in five districts, including four in Malabar, where posts are vacant, and criticised the delay in appointing 390 doctors from PSC rank lists. He also advised against transferring officials like the Director of Health Services during a crisis.

CPI(M) MLA P.A. Mohamed Riyas, who moved the motion along with CPI MLA G.R. Anil, expressed concern over the government's handling of the health crisis. He noted that Kerala has recorded 87 deaths from viral infections since June 1 this year. Riyas said, 'The previous LDF government spent its first month fighting to save lives during COVID-19, while the current UDF government spent its first month in infighting for power.' He emphasised the need for proper coordination between the government and officials for effective disease prevention and mentioned that lack of pre-monsoon cleaning contributed to the situation.

Health Minister Muraleedharan responded that the government is trying to correct a health system left in disarray by the previous government. He accused the LDF of not taking sufficient preventive steps, including cleaning activities, when it was in charge. He stated, 'Currently, only one Nipah case has been reported. We successfully prevented its spread through effective tracking. Our approach is not to hide outbreaks but to involve the public in scientific control.'

The Minister detailed measures taken: steps to destroy mosquito breeding sources to control dengue, dry day campaigns in government institutions and homes, and increased checks by the Food Safety department in restaurants and water bottling units. A high-power expert committee has been formed to study disease causes and prepare an epidemic calendar. Outbreak monitoring units and action committees have been set up at state and district levels. He also clarified that no Ebola cases have been reported in the state.