‘Outbreak threat looms, yet officials summoned for class,’ health department faces criticism

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The department has come under criticism for summoning top officials of the health department to Thiruvananthapuram at a time when the state is grappling with the threat of infectious diseases. Reports say the officials were called to take a class on disciplinary procedures. Medical officers and deputy DMOs from various districts up to Kasaragod have been directed to attend the program in Thiruvananthapuram.

Critics within the department argue that instead of coordinating disease prevention measures during a period of heightened public health concern, officials are being called from the districts to attend a disciplinary training session. The programmes were initially scheduled for June 22 but was later postponed to June 24. The medical officers are presently engaged in intensive district level disease surveillance and prevention activities.

Moreover, the department has also planned a farewell function on June 24 for outgoing additional chief secretary Rajan N Khobragade. Some officials allege that the disciplinary class is being used as a pretext to ensure the attendance of senior health officers at the farewell event, further fueling criticism of the department’s decision.