HC seeks details of rules for periodic inspection of hospitals

The Kerala High Court has orally sought details from the State government of rules framed to ensure periodic inspection of government hospitals, medical colleges, and other clinical establishments to maintain quality standards.

The Bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji sought the details while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by G. Samuel of Mavelikara and two others seeking a directive to ensure effective administration of government-run medical colleges, hospitals, and health centres.

The PIL was filed following the death of a woman following the collapse of an old building on July 3 at the Government Medical College Hospital, Kottayam, and the recent disclosure by Haris Chirackal, Head of the Department of Urology of the Government Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, about severe shortage of surgical equipment at the hospital.

The State Attorney referred to Rule 21 of the Kerala Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Rules, which deals with preparation of a panel of assessors for inspection and assessment of such establishments. Not satisfied, the court said the Rule did not deal with periodic inspections, and cited the need for a specific framework for the purpose and adjourned the matter for hearing by two weeks.