Unopened ventilators, idle machines: Rs 450 crore worth of medical equipment lies unused in Kerala hospitals

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following revelations that substandard medicines had been procured at inflated prices, a similar waste of medical equipment has also come to light in Kerala. Medical equipment worth Rs 450 crore, including ventilators, dialysis machines, digital X-ray machines and mammography machines, is lying unused at government hospitals, including medical colleges, across the state.

Several machines have become non-functional due to a lack of maintenance. The equipment, which could have benefited even economically disadvantaged patients, is going to waste. The machines were procured over the past 10 years, according to a report submitted to the government by Health Department Principal Secretary Dr Sharmila Mary Joseph.

The investigation was conducted on the instructions of Health Minister K. Muraleedharan. Much of the unused equipment is expensive, and the covers of several machines have not even been opened.

The probe followed numerous complaints. The unused equipment includes oxygen concentrators distributed by the Union government during the Covid-19 pandemic, autoclave machines and equipment procured under centrally sponsored schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana.

Medicines worth crores of rupees procured by the Kerala Medical Services Corporation Limited (KMSCL) had also gone to waste in a similar manner.

Sponsored equipment also lying unused

Apart from equipment purchased using government funds, machines received through sponsorships have also been left unused in hospital stores and other facilities. The principal secretary examined the installation and commissioning of the equipment, its use and maintenance, and its present condition as part of the investigation ordered by the health minister.

Officials unable to explain why equipment remains unused

The officials concerned have no clear answers when asked why expensive medical equipment purchased in large quantities has not been put to use. They have cited reasons such as incomplete hospital buildings and a shortage of staff required to operate the machines.

"We will conduct a detailed investigation and take action. There are people who have been running the Health Department as a white elephant. That will no longer be allowed."

— K. Muraleedharan, Health Minister