
Uneven delay in the demolition of dangerous structures in government hospitals in Ernacula remains concerns.
The district has the highest number of buildings in government hospitals in a state that must be demolished with regard to their uncertain state. According to the health department data, up to 41 buildings must be demolished.
Data on unforgettable and dangerous buildings have come to light after the collapse of a ten -year building in the Government Faculty of Medicine (MCH), Kottayam, which led to the tragic death of 52 -year -old July 3.
Confused buildings were mostly in primary health centers (PHC) and district and taluk hospitals. Of the 41 dangerous buildings in the district, three are in the general hospital. Uncapable structures include the old laundry shop and a former district medical officer’s office (DMO), according to hospital authorities.
Although the buildings were declared dangerous, the process of demolition did not advance as expected. These were multi -level processes that include a structure statement as inappropriate for use, estimation of demolition preparation and government approval for work. Three structures in the General Hospital completed only the first phase, as the preparation of the estimate of the engineering wing of the public work department is waiting.
Doctors working at PHCS and Taluk hospitals said that delay in the demolition of dangerous buildings, in turn, delayed efforts to establish new buildings using funds available within the member of the Parliament of the Regional Development Fund. The government should deliver the highest priority for the performance of demolition work, especially in the PHCS in the district, they added.
The opposition claimed that government apathy in the demolition of dangerous structures would lead to situations similar to tragedy in Kottayam MCH.
Efforts to get an official response to dangerous buildings from the collector of Ernakulm and DMOs have failed because they did not respond to calls and messages.
Published – July 11, 2025 21:55