"Ship Has Already Sunk": Kerala Assembly Sees Clash Over Amoebic Brain Fever Issue
The Kerala Assembly on Wednesday witnessed stormy scenes for the second day in a row as an Opposition adjournment motion on amoebic meningoencephalitis (brain fever) led to a fierce exchange between treasury and Opposition benches.
- Date & Time:
- |
- Views: 33
- |
- From: India News Bull
Health Minister Veena George emphasized that amoebic brain fever remains an extremely rare condition (Representational)
Thiruvananthapuram:
The Kerala Assembly experienced tumultuous proceedings for a second consecutive day on Wednesday as discussions over an Opposition adjournment motion regarding amoebic meningoencephalitis sparked intense confrontations between treasury and Opposition members.
While presenting the motion, Congress MLA N. Shamsudheen criticized the government's approach to managing the rare but fatal disease, claiming authorities were "groping in the dark" when attempting to identify its source.
He alleged that the actual mortality statistics were being suppressed, stating: "The minister is attempting to conceal the true figures and shift responsibility to the previous UDF administration. The health sector is deteriorating. Despite having a captain, the vessel has already gone under."
Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan reinforced these criticisms, highlighting that while only approximately 500 cases have been documented worldwide since 1965, Kerala alone has recorded over 120 cases, with 68 occurring this year.
"Eight individuals have died within just 15 days. Throughout 2025, there were 69 cases resulting in 19 fatalities. Even a four-month-old infant has contracted the illness. Yet there remains no established treatment protocol or preventive guidelines. Is contaminated water, swimming facilities, or wells responsible? These questions require serious governmental attention," he remarked, suggesting that the state should seek specialized expertise and Central assistance if necessary.
In the government's defense, Health Minister Veena George emphasized that amoebic brain fever is extraordinarily uncommon and could emerge anywhere.
She maintained that Kerala had provided prompt diagnosis and medical intervention, and had developed specific treatment protocols in 2024.
"Kerala has effectively managed crises including Nipah, and our public health infrastructure remains robust," she stated, also noting recent healthcare improvements such as catheterization laboratories and advanced treatment facilities in government hospitals.
Treasury bench members rallied to support George, accusing Opposition members of launching personal attacks.
They criticized the Congress for "hypocrisy," referencing controversies surrounding suspended MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. MLA K.U. Janeesh Kumar remarked that "some individuals even require paracetamol and cetrizine to sleep," while T.A. Madhusoodanan observed that "targeting the minister will not undermine the government."
The passionate debate demonstrated how the amoebic brain fever outbreak has not only generated public health concerns but also intensified political divisions within the state, as the ruling LDF unified to defend the Health Minister while Opposition criticism escalated.