Health Minister KK Shailaja is being showered with praise for her quick response and action to a Facebook post, seeking to save a child's life.

A youth, Jiyas Madasseri, requested the minister’s help in saving the life of his niece through a post on Facebook. The child’s heart valve had some problem and he sought help for better medical attention.

The youth’s comment read: “Dear Teacher, I am writing this because I find no other way. My sister delivered a baby girl this morning. Unfortunately, she ails from some valve related problems. As suggested by the doctor, we reached KIMS Al Shifa from Edakkara in Malappuram district. They conducted tests and asked us to take the child to either Amrita Hospital or Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology. However, twhen we contacted the respective hospitals we were informed that there were no beds available there. Her life is under threat if not rushed to either of these hospitals. Kindly intervene this matter and help us.”

Minister Shailaja responded quickly to the post, “After seeing your comment, Health Department director and coordinator of Hridayam project were asked to submit a report. Hridyam project will cover the child’s medical expenses. Arrangements have been made for her surgery at Lisie Hospital, Ernakulam. An ambulance has left from Edappal to Perinthalmanna hospital. We will shift the child to the hospital tonight itself.”

The child was rushed to Lisie Hospital from Perinthalmanna this morning. Many took to social media to hail the minister’s quick response. She is setting an example for all leaders by serving the public selflessly when other ministers use social media to begin poitical spats and controversies, said the comments. The Minister’s reply received over 8,600 likes.