Govt. ensure equal priority for all health systems: Kerala Health Minister

Health Minister K. Muraleedharan inaugurated a new building for Homeopathic Hospital in Sooranad North grama panchayat

The state government is committed to protecting the right of citizens to choose their preferred line of medical care by giving priority to traditional systems of health care – including Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Unani along with Allopathy, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan said here on Saturday.

After inaugurating the new building for homeopathic hospital at Sooranad North grama panchayat, the minister added that both central and state funds allocated to the AYUSH department will be fully utilized to strengthen and develop the traditional health infrastructure.

“Representatives from the homeopathic sector have already been included in expert commissions created to study and fight infectious diseases,” he said.

The minister further added that the government is taking steps to provide 24-hour facility for special patients in General and Taluk hospitals, selecting Punalur Taluk Hospital for the initial phase of implementation.

In addition, an MRI scanning facility will be installed in the hospital using Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, which will greatly benefit the pilgrims traveling to Sabarimala as well as the local population.

He also revealed that projects worth ₹5 crore have been approved for upgrading basic infrastructure at the Sasthamcotta Taluk Hospital.

As part of addressing long-standing operational issues in the health sector, Mr Muraleedharan said the outdated staffing model of the 1960s would soon be revised to address staff shortages.

“Recruitment processes to fill the vacancies of doctors in government health facilities will be expedited to streamline patient care,” he said.

The inaugural event was presided over by Ullas Kovoor, MLA while Kodikunnil Suresh, MP also spoke on the occasion.

Published – 29 Aug 2026 19:25 IST