Ceiling panel collapses at hospital in Palakkad

A section of the false ceiling collapsed at the Government Women and Children Hospital here on Tuesday morning. No one was injured in the incident.The incident occurred around 7.30 a.m. when several patients, children and caregivers were waiting in line to collect outpatient (OP) tickets. The ceiling, made of lightweight fibre panels, suddenly gave way and fell to the floor. Another portion of the ceiling had collapsed on August 13. Although Ramesh Pisharody, MLA, visited the hospital and promised solution to the problem, no action has been taken so far.Three OP ticket counters were crowded when a section of the ceiling suddenly came off. “Although the ceiling panels are lightweight, they could have caused serious injuries to children if they had fallen on them,” said a caregiver.CPI protestThe incident led to protests by the Communist Party of India (CPI). CPI workers staged a blockade in front of the hospital superintendent’s office, demanding immediate repairs and safety checks of the hospital’s infrastructure. CPI district secretary Sumalata Mohandas led the protest.The Additional District Medical Officer arrived at the hospital and held talks with the protesters. CPI workers called off their protest after they were assured that the damaged section of the ceiling would be repaired immediately and that safety measures would be taken. Published - September 15, 2026 08:19 pm IST