Kerala Hospital Smoke Incident Sparks Political Outcry

After a smoke incident at a Kozhikode state-run hospital, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan confirmed an electrical inspectorate investigation is underway. The Congress party demands further probes into the incident, which resulted in five patient deaths. Opposition accuses medical authorities of negligence, urging for high-level scrutiny.

Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan addressed media following a smoke incident at a state-operated hospital in Kozhikode, leading to calls for an inquiry. The electrical inspectorate's investigation seeks to determine the cause of the smoke.

The opposition Congress party criticized the health department and demanded accountability, particularly regarding the five patient deaths following the incident. They alleged negligence on part of the medical authorities and requested post-mortems for the deceased.

Amidst political demands for a high-level probe, Health Minister Veena George visited the site. The medical college clarified that the deaths were not due to smoke inhalation, yet the Congress insists on addressing the concerns of affected families.

(With inputs from agencies.)