For the people of Kerala’s high-range region, access to quality healthcare is not a convenience—it is a necessity. Yet, despite the establishment of Idukki Government Medical College and approval for MBBS admissions, several infrastructure and operational deficiencies continue to affect patients, students, and healthcare services.
According to Gowthamkrishna J, BJYM Idukki District General Secretary, the situation reflects years of administrative neglect rather than a lack of public demand.
“The people of Idukki have waited long enough. A medical college is not merely a building; it is an institution that carries the responsibility of protecting lives. Essential infrastructure should have been completed much earlier.”
He argues that the issue goes beyond one government’s tenure.
“Both the present ruling front and the present opposition, which governed Kerala previously, have had opportunities to address these shortcomings. Unfortunately, the people of the high-range continue to wait while promises remain unfinished.”
Gowthamkrishna says the challenges at the medical college should be viewed as part of a broader pattern affecting Idukki.
According to him, the district continues to face multiple long-standing concerns, including:
- Delays in completing major public infrastructure projects.
- Insufficient healthcare facilities for people living in remote high-range regions.
- Limited investment in modern medical infrastructure despite increasing demand.
- Slow implementation of development projects that directly impact everyday life.
- Inadequate attention to connectivity and public services in several parts of the district.
- Delayed execution of projects announced for the welfare of tribal and rural communities.
He believes the people of Idukki deserve the same development standards available in other districts.
“The geographical challenges of Idukki are well known. Instead of becoming an excuse for delays, they should be the very reason for prioritising infrastructure, healthcare, and public services.”
Regarding the Government Medical College, Gowthamkrishna has suggested a series of immediate measures that, in his view, would significantly improve the institution.
His key recommendations include:
- Complete all pending infrastructure works without further delay.
- Ensure that hospital facilities meet the standards expected of a Government Medical College.
- Strengthen faculty recruitment and improve clinical facilities.
- Develop proper parking, patient reception areas, internal roads, and public amenities.
- Establish a transparent monitoring mechanism so that project progress is regularly reviewed.
- Prioritise healthcare development in Idukki considering the unique challenges faced by high-range residents.
He also stressed that development should not become a subject of political competition.
“Healthcare should unite governments, not divide them. Every elected representative has a responsibility to ensure that institutions serving ordinary people receive the attention they deserve.”
Calling for collective responsibility, he urged all stakeholders—including the government, public representatives, officials, and civil society—to work together in the interest of the district.
“The people of Idukki are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for the timely completion of projects that have already been promised. Development should be measured by results experienced by citizens, not by announcements.”
Editorial Note
Gowthamkrishna J is the BJYM Idukki District General Secretary (2025). His public journey began through grassroots organisational activities, where he actively participated in community outreach, youth engagement, social initiatives, and public awareness programmes. Over the years, he has been associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), and later the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM).