Kerala Doctor Praises Government Move to End Hospital Floor Treatment

Haris Chirakkal said he praised the Kerala government's decision to stop the practice of accommodating patients on hospital floors [1, 2].

The move represents a shift in public health administration in Thiruvananthapuram, addressing long-standing criticisms regarding patient dignity and facility overcrowding. By eliminating floor treatment, the government aims to improve overall hospital conditions and patient care standards.

Chirakkal serves as the head of the urology department at Government Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram [1, 2]. He previously drew attention to the facility by highlighting critical shortages of surgical equipment and delays in surgeries [1, 2]. Those issues had triggered a political controversy during the tenure of the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government [1, 2].

Despite his previous criticisms of the healthcare infrastructure, Chirakkal said the current initiative to end floor treatment is a positive step. He advocated for continued reforms to ensure that hospital conditions meet the necessary standards for patient safety and comfort [1, 2].

The initiative follows a period of intense scrutiny over how the state manages its medical resources. The transition away from floor-based care is part of a broader effort to modernize patient accommodation and resolve the logistical failures that previously led to surgical delays [1, 2].

Chirakkal said the initiative is a welcome move for both the medical staff and the patients who have suffered due to inadequate bedding and space. The focus remains on ensuring that the government's promises translate into a permanent end to the practice across all state-run facilities [1, 2].