CPI(M) forms human chain against ‘bid to defame Kozhikode MCH’

The Kozhikode district committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] on Wednesday formed a human chain around the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode, in protest against what it termed as attempts by the United Democratic Front (UDF), BJP, and a section of the media, to defame the institution.

Opening the protest, M. Mehboob, district secretary, CPI(M), alleged that deliberate attempts were being made to destroy the health sector in the State. This was happening at a time when the public health network from primary health centres to medical college hospitals were being elevated to centres of excellence. Mr. Mehboob claimed that while the BJP and the UDF were on one side of the conspiracy to tarnish the healthcare sector, big corporate groups too were involved in the exercise to convert healthcare into just another commodity.

The CPI(M) leaders said that close to 5,000 people seek treatment at the outpatient department of the hospital every day. Around 300 people get admitted as in-patients. A large number of surgeries, deliveries, and lab examinations too are being done there on a regular basis. They said that every step should be taken to protect the institution, which has been offering cost-effective and advanced treatment to the poor. The participants also took a pledge for the purpose. Thottathil Raveendran, MLA, presided over the event. P. Mohanan and K.K. Lathika, CPI(M) State committee members, among others, were present.