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Kerala, once known for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage is now facing a growing crisis that threatens the safety and well-being of its residents. The Leader of the Opposition, VD Satheesan, has strongly criticized the state’s worsening law and order situation by labeling Kerala as the "capital of drugs." He has expressed grave concerns over the increasing presence of criminal activities and drug abuse which have made daily life difficult for the people.
According to Satheesan, the streets of Kerala are no longer safe. The presence of criminals and hooligans has increased by making it dangerous for ordinary citizens to step out of their homes. Reports of violent attacks have surged and the administration appears to be failing in its duty to maintain law and order. Additionally, the state is witnessing a rise in drug-related parties and substance abuse, further aggravating the situation.
Government and Law Enforcement Under Fire
Satheesan has accused the state government and its excise department of inaction by alleging that they have done little to curb the growing drug menace. He has also raised concerns over the role of the police by claiming that instead of ensuring public safety, many law enforcement officers are themselves acting like goons. Multiple incidents of violent attacks have been reported, yet there seems to be no effective intervention from the authorities.
A major issue highlighted by Satheesan is the alleged lack of control exercised by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over the police force. He claims that instead of functioning under the leadership of the CM, the police are being controlled by an influential group within the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). According to him, this hidden influence is leading to questionable decisions and secretive dealings, further weakening the state’s governance.
Breakdown in Administrative Discipline
The Opposition leader also criticized the lack of discipline within the police force, alleging that top officials’ orders are not being followed. He claims that law enforcement is being manipulated by the ruling political party, rather than serving the interests of the people. This, he believes has led to a complete breakdown of law and order by making citizens feel vulnerable and unprotected.
Allegations of Medical Negligence
Apart from law and order concerns, Satheesan has also raised serious allegations against the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government regarding its handling of healthcare services. He pointed to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which revealed that between 2016-17 and 2021-22, expired medicines were supplied to 26 hospitals on 60 different occasions. This shocking revelation has raised questions about the government's oversight in ensuring the safety and quality of medical supplies.
The Need for Urgent Action
The worsening security situation in Kerala calls for immediate action from the state government. Effective measures must be taken to curb the rising drug problem and restore public confidence in law enforcement. Additionally, the government must address concerns related to governance and ensure that police and administrative bodies function transparently and independently.
If these issues are not addressed promptly, Kerala risks facing an even deeper crisis, endangering the safety and well-being of its citizens. The state’s leadership must act decisively to tackle these challenges before they spiral further out of control.
CAG Report Uncovers Corruption and Expired Medicine Distribution in Kerala: Allegations of Corruption Confirmed
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has validated accusations of financial irregularities and mismanagement in Kerala’s healthcare sector. Leader of the Opposition, VD Satheesan, emphasized that the CAG’s findings support claims of corruption and unnecessary expenditures. He further highlighted a particularly alarming revelation—that the Kerala state government, through its Medical Services Corporation had supplied expired medicines to hospitals.
Widespread Distribution of Expired Medicines
The CAG report provides detailed evidence showing that between 2016-17 and 2021-22, a total of 26 hospitals across the state received medicines and medical supplies that had already passed their expiry dates. In 60 separate instances, hospital wards were issued drugs that should have been discarded due to expiration.
Financial and Health Risks Involved
The report states that the total cost of the expired medicines and supplies issued across these hospitals amounted to ₹0.89 lakh. While this may not seem like a significant financial loss, the real concern lies in the potential health hazards. According to the CAG, administering expired drugs can be extremely dangerous, as the chemical composition of medicines changes over time. Such alterations may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine or, in some cases, turn them toxic, posing a serious threat to patients' health and safety.
A Matter of Public Health and Accountability
The revelations from the CAG report raise grave concerns about public health management and government accountability in Kerala. The distribution of expired medicines points to negligence in the procurement and supply chain, putting patients at risk. With this report now in the public domain, authorities must take immediate corrective measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Addressing these issues will not only restore public trust but also ensure the safety and well-being of patients relying on government healthcare services.
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