The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has asked the State government to examine the project outline submitted by the authorities to set up an independent Haematology department at the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH), Kozhikode.

In a recent order, Commission judicial member K. Baijunath said that the Additional Chief Secretary (Health) and the Director, Medical Education, should complete the formalities related to basic infrastructure and approval for fund allocation. The officials should submit a detailed report on the present condition of the project outline and the follow-up steps being planned. They should also submit an action-taken report in three months. The order followed a petition filed by Kareem Karassery, social activist, and president of the Blood Patients’ Protection Council, Kerala. At present, the department is functioning as an extension of the General Medicine department.

Meanwhile, the Commission also asked the authorities to chalk out an action plan for the development of the hospital in view of the high number of patients and the limited infrastructure available there. Additional wards should be set up and additional beds should be provided along with required medical equipment. The availability of doctors, nurses, and allied health professional should be ensured. Floor treatment of patients should be avoided. A scientific referral system should be implemented by coordinating with other government hospitals, the commission added.