Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], July 16 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson A N S Prasad on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government over what he termed as a collapse in the state's healthcare system, demanding accountability from Chief Minister M K Stalin and Health Minister M A Subramanian.

In a press statement, Prasad questioned whether the state's health administration had 'descended into chaos,' citing shortages of basic facilities in primary health centres, district hospitals, and even the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai.

He said, 'Chief Minister Stalin, has the Tamil Nadu healthcare department descended into chaos? The DMK's Dravidian model has proven woefully inadequate, failing to safeguard even the most vulnerable - newborn babies. From primary health centres to district hospitals and the Rajiv Gandhi General Hospital in Chennai, basic facilities are lacking, and patients suffer due to subpar treatment. The administrative collapse is glaringly evident.'

Highlighting a recent incident at the Kallakurichi Government Maternity Hospital, Prasad referred to a viral video in which newborn babies were allegedly seen lying on the floor due to a shortage of cribs.

He called the situation 'shocking' and alleged that the Health Minister has been more engaged in 'damage control' than addressing the systemic issues affecting public healthcare.

'Health Minister M A Subramanian is more focused on damage control, roaming the streets to salvage what's left of the DMK's reputation after a string of betrayals. A shocking video from the Kallakurichi Government Maternity Hospital, where newborns were forced to lie on the floor due to a crib shortage, highlights the government's callous disregard for human life. This is the healthcare system the DMK promised to deliver?' he said.

Prasad also criticised what he described as misplaced priorities of the Dravidian model of governance, alleging that the government was focusing more on publicity than essential public services.

'The Dravidian model government's priorities are skewed, with more emphasis on propaganda than providing essential services. It's time for accountability. The people of Tamil Nadu deserve better than a government that prioritises publicity over people's lives. The Chief Minister and Health Minister must take responsibility for this healthcare disaster and course-correct before it's too late,' he said. (ANI)