Pathanamthitta, Oct 15 (UNI) Kerala aims to become a state ensuring universal health coverage for all by 2031, Health Minister Veena George announced while unveiling the policy document “Kerala’s Health Sector Vision 2031” at the Vision 2031, Health Seminar.
The Minister said the Government’s broader mission is to transform Kerala into a health hub, ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for every citizen.
“Specialty treatments will be decentralised, infrastructure development will be strengthened, and trauma and emergency care systems will be reinforced,” she said.
The Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP), which integrates multiple existing health schemes, currently provides insurance coverage to 42.2 lakh families, offering up to Rs 5 lakh per family for treatment. The Government is planning to extend this benefit to more families under new schemes, she added.
Reducing the overall disease burden is a key goal of Vision 2031. To address lifestyle diseases, the State has implemented the Healthy Life Campaign and established 10,000 Yoga Clubs under the AYUSH Department.
A School Health Programme is also being rolled out to promote healthy habits among children, and mental health services are being strengthened.
The Minister noted that the Ardram Janakeeya Campaign enables early detection and treatment of lifestyle diseases by screening people above 30 years of age at home.
Similarly, the ‘Aarogyam Anandam Akratam Arbutham’ public campaign for cancer prevention has screened over 20 lakh people, while advanced cancer treatment facilities are being established across Kerala.
Emphasising the importance of infectious disease prevention, Veena George said Kerala’s health sector is preparing to face new challenges, including lifestyle disorders and emerging infections such as amoebic meningoencephalitis.
An Epidemic Intelligence System will be developed to strengthen surveillance and micro-level planning at local levels.
All medical colleges will be upgraded into comprehensive tertiary care centres, ensuring progress in both treatment and medical education. In the AYUSH sector, the proposed International Ayurveda Research Centre is expected to make major strides in traditional medicine research.
Highlighting Kerala’s leadership in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) prevention, the Minister said the State has implemented model initiatives that have drawn national attention. She also urged the public not to spread unscientific or misleading information related to health and medicine.
Dr. Rajan N. Khobragade, Additional Chief Secretary (Health), presented a report on “Achievements in the Health Sector during the Last Decade.”
