The Hindu : Hard times for virology institute

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, May 02, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala

Hard times for virology institute

By A. Harikumar

ALAPPUZHA MAY 1. Red-tapeism and neglect by a section of the authorities are hampering the work of the Kerala State Institute of Virous and Infectious Diseases here, the only virology institute in the State, at a time when the threat of a viral disease outbreak looms over the State.

The institute, which functions along with the department of microbiology of the Alappuzha Medical College, does not have a separate building even four years after it was founded. There are complaints that the grant-in-aid provided by the State Government to the institute is not given on time. Besides, some of the clauses pertaining to the operation of the institute's account in the treasury make the withdrawal of amount a difficult task.

The institue was founded in 1999 for the diagnosis and surveillance of various viral diseases. The death of several persons in various epidemics in Alappuzha and other parts of the State during the period extending from 1995 to 1998 had prompted the Government to establish the institute. It is pointed out that the failure to appoint a separate permanent head is the main reason for the present condition of the institute. The authorities have not taken interest to appoint a virlogy professor here after the previous virologist was transferred.

It is noted that the present strength of 11 staff in the virology institute, which has done some good work with available facilities, needs to be raised for more efficient functioning. The infrastructure at the institute also needs to be bettered and tie-ups with other major virology institutes should be initiated to better the effectiveness, experts said.

There are complaints that the Alappuzha Medical College principal, who is empowered along with the virology project director to approve withdrawal of funds of the institute deposited in the treasury, is not cooperating. According to sources, for the last several months the principal refused to sign cheques for no valid reason.

The practice of depositing the grants to the institute in the State treasury often affects the normal functioning of the institute because of the recurring treasury bans. The delay in availability of funds in times of epidemic outbreaks negates any possibility of control of epidemics through early diagnosis and surveillance.

The last two State budgets had not earmarked a single rupee as grant for the institute. It is at present run with the remainder of previous funds provided to it. According to the sources, even the salary of employees is being given using the previous funds.

There are reports that the failure of the authorities to submit projects and proposals to the Government on time is the reason for the denial of funds. There had been allegations that previously the medical college authorities used to divert the fund allotted to the virology institute for other purposes.

The officials, when contacted, said the Government had recently allotted Rs. 50 lakhs for the development of the institute. They also noted that around eight acres of land has been identified for the institute and the work will start soon.

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