New Delhi: In the wake of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan leaving for the United States reportedly for medical treatment, CPM general secretary M A Baby has defended the move, stating that seeking quality care should not be viewed with suspicion.
“Even Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru went to the UK for their education. Exaggerating such matters only creates confusion,” Baby said, dismissing the criticism over ministers not relying on the state’s public healthcare system.
While claiming that Kerala’s healthcare sector leads the country, Baby admitted there are still issues that need to be addressed. “Even though Kerala’s healthcare is far ahead of all other Indian states, challenges remain. The Left government is working to resolve them. Things are progressing at the required pace, and we should engage in constructive discussions to find solutions. There is absolutely no reason for any minister to resign,” he said.
Responding to questions about why ministers often choose private hospitals or treatment abroad instead of utilising government facilities, Baby said that people naturally seek the best care available. “We have people from foreign countries coming to our Ayurvedic and healthcare centres. Gandhi and Nehru studied in the UK. Today, foreign students are studying at Kerala’s universities, just as our students go abroad. Picking one instance and blowing it out of proportion only misleads the public,” he added.
Addressing criticism against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, especially in the context of his letter over the Bharat Mata controversy, Baby said, “The Chief Minister is someone who knows how to assess the importance of each situation and respond in a measured way. He speaks softly when needed and firmly when necessary. I find it surprising that someone would even ask whether Pinarayi is afraid of anyone.”
“Pinarayi fears no one. It’s only those with guilt who tend to be afraid. When it comes to Pinarayi, there’s no such fear. The issues with the Raj Bhavan are not just Kerala’s concern. Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have been unleashing a group of governors to stir trouble in opposition-ruled states. That’s something we also need to discuss,” Baby added.
On the controversy surrounding Dr Harris Chirakkal, who openly spoke about the crisis in Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, Baby said the Chief Minister had responded in a balanced and respectful manner. “Both the Chief Minister and the Health Minister acknowledged the doctor’s expertise and treated him with due respect,” he said.