Kerala’s Public Health Sector Facing Media Smear Campaign: T.P. Ramakrishnan

Rapid Summary

• The Left Democratic Front (LDF) convener, T.P. Ramakrishnan, alleged attempts to overthrow the Kerala State goverment through a media campaign and violent protests led by the Congress-led united Democratic Front (UDF).
• The protests stem from the death of a woman in a building collapse at Government medical Collage Hospital, Kottayam, which UDF claims reflects systemic failures in the public health system.
• The UDF has demanded Health Minister Veena George’s resignation and pledged to prevent her participation in public events.
• Mr. Ramakrishnan stated that certain media reports are being used to tarnish the state’s health sector image despite Kerala’s investments benefiting lakhs through free treatment and robust public health infrastructure.
• He acknowledged isolated lapses but emphasized fixing systemic issues rather than misrepresenting achievements in healthcare.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The developments highlight unresolved tensions between Kerala’s ruling LDF and opposition UDF over accountability for public sector management amidst tragic incidents like the Kottayam hospital building collapse. Mr. Ramakrishnan’s defense underscores achievements made under LDF governance since 2016; however, these are overshadowed by ongoing operational challenges within critical sectors such as health infrastructure. While political clashes may intensify over demands for ministerial resignations and broader policy criticism, addressing safety concerns linked to state facilities is vital not just for public trust but also as an actionable foundation against political disputes targeting institutional efficiency.

Read more: Published – July 07,2025 11:49 pm IST