Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Health Minister Veena George have defended the state government’s actions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The responses have come after the concerns raised in the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report.
The report has criticised the procurement of medical supplies and raised concerns about the alleged distribution of expired medicines in government hospitals.
Chief Minister Vijayan emphasised the government’s commitment to protecting health workers and ensuring the availability of life-saving equipment during the pandemic.
Also read: Congress slams Kerala govt over CAG report on PPE kit irregularities
“The government has the right to protect the lives of health workers. They were putting their lives at risk during Covid-19,” he stated.
CM Vijayan highlighted state's preparedness during the pandemic, citing the availability of PPE kits and oxygen cylinders, which he contrasted with shortages seen in other parts of the country.
“Our people did not die due to a lack of oxygen,” he added.
Vijayan also pointed out the challenges of procuring PPE kits during the global crisis, explaining the price surges and supply chain difficulties.
He pointed out, “The market rate for PPE kits before Covid-19 was ₹545, but during the pandemic, raw material shortages and transportation issues drove up prices. None of this was considered in the CAG report.”
Health Minister Veena George dismissed the CAG’s claim that expired medicines were distributed in government hospitals, calling it baseless. “When the draft report came, we gave a clear reply. Even the Opposition leader knows that in Kerala, our health workers have not given expired medicines,” she said.
The ministers reiterated that the CAG report is not final and will be reviewed by the Public Accounts Committee. Both leaders criticised the Opposition for using the CAG report to create confusion.
Follow us
