Thiruvananthapuram: Health minister K Muraleedharan has sought a vigilance probe into alleged irregularities in the construction of the new Rs 270-crore surgical block at Govt Medical College, Kottayam, where portions of the ceiling have collapsed repeatedly within months of its inauguration.In a letter to home minister Ramesh Chennithala, Muraleedharan called for a comprehensive investigation into alleged construction irregularities, technical lapses, deficiencies in execution and supervision, and possible financial misconduct.He also directed the additional chief secretary of the health department to form a technical expert committee to assess the building’s structural safety and identify defects in its construction. The committee has been asked to recommend corrective measures and urgent safety interventions.The previous govt inaugurated the surgical block on Feb 16, 2026. The repeated collapse of ceiling portions since then has raised serious concerns over the quality of construction and the safety of patients, doctors and other hospital staff.Serious defects have also reportedly been found in the civil, plumbing and electrical works. The minister said a detailed examination was needed to establish whether the construction met prescribed technical standards and whether adequate quality checks and supervision had been carried out.The construction contract was awarded to Jathan Constructions, but there are allegations that the work was sub-contracted to other agencies. The investigation will examine whether contractual conditions were followed, whether there were violations in awarding sub-contracts and whether there were lapses in executing and supervising the project.The probe will also cover construction quality, compliance with approved technical specifications, supervision of works and financial transactions related to the project.Muraleedharan said the government’s priority was the safety of patients seeking treatment at the hospital and of the doctors and other employees working there. He asked for the investigations to be completed urgently and the reports submitted without delay.
About The Author
