Kerala Health Minister Veena George Defends Delhi Trip Amid ASHA Workers’ Hunger Strike: 'Was It Wrong?'

Kerala Health Minister Veena George had travelled to Delhi on Thursday to discuss ASHA workers’ demands with Union Health Minister J P Nadda. However, she could not meet him.

Speaking to reporters after returning from Delhi, George accused a section of the media of misrepresenting facts and unfairly targeting both her and the state government.

Source : PTI

Kerala Health Minister Veena George has defended her recent visit to New Delhi to meet Union Health Minister J P Nadda, amid growing criticism and an ongoing hunger strike by ASHA workers. She reiterated that her visit was intended to address the longstanding demands of ASHA workers and that her stand on the issue was clear from the beginning.

Unsuccessful Meet With Union Minister

George traveled to Delhi on Thursday, seeking to discuss ASHA workers’ demands for an increase in their honorarium. However, she was unable to meet Union Health Minister J P Nadda, which led to criticism from sections of the media and political opponents. Some media outlets labeled her trip a "farce," questioning the purpose of her visit at a time when ASHA workers were protesting outside the Kerala Secretariat.

In response to these allegations, George stated, "Was it wrong to seek permission to meet the Union Minister when ASHAs, who work under a central scheme, had announced a hunger strike?" She emphasized that her visit was a legitimate attempt to bring Kerala’s concerns to the Central Government's attention.

Minister Defends Trip

Speaking to reporters after returning from Delhi, George accused a section of the media of misrepresenting facts and unfairly targeting both her and the state government.

"You only believe what the union minister’s office said about the request seeking an appointment. I have already stated my position. Some media are trying to crucify the state and its health minister. Is the real issue - whether I sought an appointment with the union minister," she asked, as per a report on PTI.

During an Assembly session, George clarified that her visit had two primary objectives, meeting Union Health Minister J P Nadda to discuss ASHA workers’ honorarium and engaging in discussions with a Cuban delegation as part of Kerala’s healthcare collaboration efforts.