Ceiling collapses again at Kottayam medical college block

A file photo of Fire and Rescue Services personnel clearing rubble after a portion of a building collapsed at the Kottayam medical college. (Photo for representation purpose)

A fresh ceiling and wall collapse at the new general surgery block of Government Medical College, Kottayam, has deepened concerns over construction quality of the building, barely a week after a similar incident at the building.

Officials said a portion of the ceiling and hollow brick wall of a staff toilet in the basement collapsed late on Wednesday just as an employee opened the door to enter. She escaped unhurt as the debris fell moments later.

Complaints about construction defects and failures in basic facilities have surfaced repeatedly since the block was inaugurated. In July, a portion of the first-floor ceiling collapsed in the corridor near the unit where surgical instruments are sterilised. In another incident, a piece of concrete reportedly broke off from the fifth floor and shattered the windscreen of a doctor’s car.

Water leakage has added to the concerns. Burst pipes have flooded several floors, while patients and their attendants have complained of leaking bathrooms. During the monsoon, rainwater was also seen flowing down the building’s pillars.

Built at a cost of ₹257 crore using Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) funds, the block was inaugurated in February by then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Despite the recurring problems, the medical college authorities have refused to take over the building until all defects are rectified.

Under the construction contract, the contractor is responsible for maintaining the building for five years and rectifying defects during the warranty period. However, allegations have surfaced that the Medical College authorities are being pressured to take over the facility before the problems are fixed.

The issue has also been brought to the attention of the State government, with Ettumanoor MLA Nattakom Suresh raising a submission in the Assembly over alleged construction lapses. In response, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan said the building would undergo comprehensive repairs following a joint inspection of its ceiling, plumbing and electrical systems.