Kerala aims for universal health coverage by 2031: Health Minister

Kerala aims to become a State that guarantees universal health coverage by 2031, Health Minister Veena George said on Tuesday.

Addressing at the ‘Vision 2031’ health seminar held in Thiruvalla, the Minister said that the infection prevention and epidemic control remain a top priority for Kerala. ”The health sector is facing emerging challenges, including the rise in lifestyle diseases and rare infections like amoebic meningoencephalitis,” she said.

To address this, the government will establish a comprehensive ‘epidemic intelligence system’ to enable early detection and rapid response to potential outbreaks. Micro-level health action plans will be prepared at the local body level to enhance community-based disease prevention strategies, she said.

The government will convert all medical colleges into full-fledged tertiary care centres and revamp academic and research excellence in the medical sector. An International Ayurveda Research Centre will also be established as part of efforts to promote traditional medicine and wellness tourism.

A presentation on ‘Decade of Achievements in Kerala Health Sector’ was made by Health department additional chief secretary Rajan N. Khobragade.

Planning Board member P.K. Jameela, SHA executive director Arun S. Nair, District panchayat president George Abraham, and senior healthcare officials were present.