'Modi visit disrupted treatment of temple tragedy victims'

Closely after the state police chief revealed that he had objected to the VVIP visits to Kollam on the day of Puttingal Temple tragedy, senior health department official has alleged that the Prime Minister's hospital visit also affected the medical treatment of the injured.  

Along with Prime Minister and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, dozens of people tried to enter the hospital ward were the injured underwent treatment. Many doctors had to remain outside the room during the VVIP visits, Dr. R Ramesh, state Director of Health Services told Asianet News.

Many physicians and nurses were told to wait outside the ward during the VVIP visits. The medical professionals had to stand outside for nearly 30 minutes.

Many physicians and nurses were told to wait outside the ward during the VVIP visits. The medical professionals had to stand outside for nearly 30 minutes. The treatment was disrupted in the crucial hours and the VVIPs visited the wards were people with 90% burn injuries were undergoing treatment, Ramesh said. 
State Police Chief TP Senkumar kicked up a controversy on Friday by revealing that he had opposed the idea of Prime Minister's visit to the spot of the tragedy within 12 hours after the incident. 

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy justified the Prime Minister's visit. "Apart from the Prime Minister, national leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury...they all came. That was a huge relief for people of Kerala. " ...their presence and their advice and help were a big thing for Kerala in the face of the massive tragedy," Chandy told reporters. 

Downplaying the Police Chief's comments, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said that the officer was only airing the security concerns only and that his statement need not be read otherwise. 

• Narendra Modi kollam fire cracker accident
• Kollam temple tragedy
• Rahul Gandhi
• TP Senkumar