Parassala Hospital's New Building Remains Largely Non-Functional Six Months After Inauguration
Six months have passed since the inauguration of a new multi-storey building at Taluk Hospital in Parassala. Only the outpatient wing has started partial operations. This situation raises serious questions about the decision to inaugurate the facility before completing essential construction work.
Inauguration Amid Protests
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the four-storey building last August. Health Minister Veena George was also present at the event. The inauguration took place despite protests from people who claimed the construction was incomplete. The government announced modern facilities including trauma care units, dialysis services, and state-of-the-art operation theatres. Most of these promised services remain non-functional today.
Limited Services in New Building
Currently, only outpatient departments for medical, orthopaedics, general medicine, and paediatrics operate from the new building. Key departments such as surgery, ophthalmology, and gynaecology continue to function in old blocks. Patients report that even the operational OP wing lacks basic amenities. There is insufficient waiting space, inadequate toilet facilities, and a shortage of washbasins.
Emergency Department Still in Old Building
The emergency department handles a heavy daily patient load. It remains housed in an old, cramped building because required equipment has not been installed in the new block. Hospital sources reveal that three modern operation theatres were announced at the inauguration. Construction of two theatres has not even begun. Air-conditioning and interior works for the operation theatre and ICU sections also remain incomplete.
Power Connection Issues
The new building has not received a permanent power connection. Hospital authorities applied for power supply only after the inauguration. Kerala State Electricity Board estimated a charge of around Rs 40 lakh based on the required load. Delay in remitting this amount has stalled the connection. The outpatient wing currently draws power from a nearby building.
Patient and Staff Difficulties
Patients complain about long queues to obtain outpatient tickets. They often wait for hours without adequate shelter from the elements. Hospital beds procured for the new building remain unused and covered in dust. Staff members also face a shortage of toilet facilities, creating additional challenges in their daily work.
Official Response
When contacted, a taluk-level official stated that the health department has been informed about the situation. The official assured that steps would be taken soon to make the building fully operational. No specific timeline was provided for when all services would become functional.
The incomplete state of Parassala Taluk Hospital's new building highlights ongoing challenges in healthcare infrastructure development. Patients continue to receive limited services while awaiting the promised modern facilities.
