Thiruvananthapuram, July 5 (Reporter) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with his wife, flew to the United States today for specialized medical treatment. The Chief Minister, whose trip is scheduled for ten days, departed from Thiruvananthapuram Airport in the early hours via Dubai. He is visiting the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for follow-up consultation and further treatment, having previously sought care at the same facility. During his foreign visits, the Chief Minister typically does not delegate responsibilities. He usually attends cabinet meetings online and oversees urgent official matters remotely. His wife, T. Kamala, and personal staff member V.M. Suneesh accompanied him on the trip. Although the Chief Minister had initially planned to travel to the US before the Nilambur by-election, the visit was postponed due to election-related commitments. The journey was finalized as the medical evaluations and treatment could no longer be delayed. The Chief Minister’s visit comes at a time when the state’s healthcare system is facing widespread criticism and public outrage. Amidst this backdrop, controversy continues over a recent incident in which a woman died following the collapse of a building at Kottayam Medical College. Critics have pointed out that the Chief Minister did not meet the family of the deceased, Bindu. In contrast, the Oommen Chandy Foundation (named after the late Congress Chief Minister) has extended Rs 5 lakh to help the family complete the construction of their house. The Chief Minister's departure follows a viral Facebook post by Dr. Harris Chiraykkal, Head of the Urology Department at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, which highlighted systemic issues in the hospital and triggered public concern over the state’s healthcare infrastructure. Meanwhile, the tragic death at Kottayam Medical College has intensified the political storm, prompting the Opposition to organize statewide protests demanding the resignation of Health Minister Veena George. It is amidst this politically and socially charged atmosphere that the Chief Minister has left for the United States. He also underwent treatment at the Mayo Clinic in 2018, 2022 and 2023...////...