The Cooperative Healthcare Conclave 2026 organized by the Department of Cooperation on Thursday showcased comprehensive healthcare projects and innovative ideas aimed at overall revitalization of the sector. As part of the department’s ambitious initiative “Vision 2031”, the conclave brought together sector representatives and experts at the NS Cooperative Hospital campus.
The event was officially inaugurated by M. Naushad, MLA, with Hospital President P. Rajendran presiding over the function.
The highlight of the event was the strategic plan presentation by D. Sajith Babu, Registrar of Cooperative Societies. During the ceremony, the department also honored NS Hospital’s President and Board of Trustees in recognition of the hospital being selected for the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Cooperative Global Excellence Award.
The technical sessions of the conclave focused heavily on the theme of “The Co-operative Alternative”. AV Jayakrishnan, a neurosurgeon, pointed out that cooperative hospitals must evolve into interconnected networks to survive market pressures. He called for a robust cooperative model that works in tandem with various government schemes to provide a reliable alternative to corporate healthcare.
The role of primary level institutions was also a major point of discussion, with CV Prasanth from the Regional Cancer Center in Thiruvananthapuram highlighting how rural health cooperatives can be strengthened through small public investments. B. Abdunassar, CEO, EMS Cooperative Hospital, Perinthalmanna, echoed the sentiment and called for a massive operational change to protect ordinary citizens from rising costs of corporate healthcare facilities.
Healthcare management specialist Ranjith R. Menon led discussions on sustainable financing models for cooperative healthcare institutions.
Published – 19 Feb 2026 20:13 IST