In Kerala, “affordable” private healthcare is easier said than done

Representative image. | Photo credit: Getty Images

The Keralam The government’s statement that it would make private healthcare “more affordable” through consultation with the private healthcare sector and that a bill in this regard was on the way should be seen against the state’s seven-year legal battle before the Kerala High Court upheld the Kerala Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2018, discarding all objections raised by private hospitals.

The KCE Act was the first ever attempt in the state to bring the entire health sector, both public and private, under a regulatory framework.

Published – 6 October 2026 06:00 IST