Amid ongoing protests over the fatal accident at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam, new reports have emerged revealing that the collapsed building did not possess a fitness certificate from the local panchayat.
According to Arun K. Philip, vice-president of the Arpookara grama panchayat, the hospital authorities did not secure a fitness certificate from the panchayat. He added that notice will be served to hospital authorities to assess the condition of existing buildings on the campus.
Panchayat officials said many buildings within the Kottayam medical college hospital are in a state of disrepair, with no maintenance conducted for several years. They reported that in some areas, cement layers have crumbled and fallen, while tree roots have penetrated the buildings, rendering them dangerously unstable.
Lack of cooperation
They also alleged a lack of cooperation from the medical college regarding the condition of hospital buildings, noting that some structures have not even been assigned identification numbers by the panchayat.
“The panchayat has not been kept informed about any matters concerning the medical college. The hospital authorities appear to be operating in defiance of the law. Even in newly constructed buildings, there are inadequate facilities for rescue operations in the event of an emergency. Whenever the panchayat raises such concerns, the hospital authorities respond with indifference,” Mr. Philip said.
In view of the building collapse, the panchayat will soon request a comprehensive status report on the condition of the buildings.
Published – July 04, 2025 07:36 pm IST
