Kerala Health Minister announces universal healthcare coverage by 2031
Pathanamthitta: Kerala Health Minister Veena George presented the policy document 'Kerala's Health Sector Vision 2031' during the Vision 2031-Health Seminar, announcing the state's goal of achieving healthcare for all by 2031.
George stated that the speciality medical services would be decentralised and infrastructural facilities would be further strengthened.
"Trauma care and emergency response systems will be made more robust, and equality in access to health services will be ensured," the minister said, news agency PTI reported.
Detailing initiatives already implemented, Health Minister Veena George said the state has launched the 'Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi' (KASP) by integrating various health schemes. Through this, 42.2 lakh families have been provided health coverage, and the Karunya Benevolent Fund scheme is also in place.
Under the 'Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi' scheme, each family is entitled to medical treatment worth Rs five lakh. The government now aims to expand coverage to ensure more people benefit from healthcare protection, she said.
She also highlighted the 'Aardram Janakeeya' campaign, people above 30 years are screened for lifestyle diseases through home visits, and those requiring treatment are provided medical care, George said.
To prevent cancer, the 'Aarogyam Anandam Akattam Arbutham' (Health and Happiness, Drive Away Cancer) mass campaign has screened over two million people so far. Advanced cancer treatment facilities have also been established, she added.
Stating that the health sector faces new challenges, including rising lifestyle diseases and rare infections such as amoebic meningoencephalitis, George said an epidemic intelligence system will be developed.
Amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and potentially deadly brain infection caused by free-living amoebae in lakes, rivers, and other freshwater sources, has become a growing public health concern in Kerala. Local-level micro-plans are also being prepared to strengthen preventive measures.
"The ultimate goal is to transform Kerala into a global health hub, and initiatives towards that goal are already underway. The state has also become a national model in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) control," she said, urging people not to spread unscientific or misleading information related to health, reports PTI.
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