Pathanamthitta: A controversial remark by Minister Saji Cherian has put the state Health Department in a tight spot. The Minister for Fisheries, Culture and Youth Affairs said that he had sought treatment at a private hospital only after his condition worsened during treatment at a government facility.
His comments came while he was attempting to justify the practice of ministers seeking care at private hospitals.
“Ministers go to private hospitals. Common people go. Others go too. I went to a medical college hospital. There was no issue. Some do go to private hospitals. In 2019, when I had dengue, I first went to a government hospital. When it seemed likely that I might die due to the treatment there, it was recommended that I be shifted to Amrita Hospital. I was taken to Amrita. I was unconscious for 14 days after I reached there. I survived. So, is Amrita Hospital a bad place? These are all well-established practices in this land,” the Minister said.
The statement came while Saji Cherian was defending Health Minister Veena George, at a time when the state’s healthcare system is facing intense criticism.
Interestingly, Saji Cherian had to resign from the Cabinet in 2022 for his controversial statement against the Constitution of the country.