J.P. Nadda holds review meeting on flagship health programmes in Kerala
New Delhi, July 7
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J. P. Nadda on Tuesday chaired a virtual review with K. Muraleedharan, Minister for Health, Government of Kerala, to review implementation and progress of key health programs in the state.
The meeting focused on the implementation and progress of major flagship initiatives in Kerala, including the TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, Free Drugs Service Initiative, Free Diagnostic Service Initiative, Human Resources for Health under the National Health Mission (NHM), Medical Education, Drug Regulation, and Food Safety and Standards.
The discussions stressed strengthening healthcare delivery, improving access to quality medicines and diagnostics, augmenting health infrastructure and human resources, the statement from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.
The minister also discussed measures to enhance medical education, strengthen regulatory oversight of drugs and blood banks, along with reinforcing food safety systems across Kerala.
"K. Muraleedharan apprised the Union Health Minister of the progress made by Kerala under various flagship health programs and highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the State Government to further strengthen healthcare delivery," the statement noted.
He also briefed the Union Health Minister on key challenges and areas requiring Central support. Muraleedharan reaffirmed the state government's commitment to working in close coordination with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to achieve national health priorities.
The Union Health Minister appreciated the efforts made by the state in implementing various health initiatives and assured continued support. He emphasised the importance of sustained Centre-State collaboration to ensure effective implementation of national health programmes and improved health outcomes for the people.
The meeting concluded with both the Centre and the state reaffirming their commitment to strengthen public health systems and ensure accessible, affordable, equitable and quality healthcare services for all citizens through effective implementation of flagship health programs, the statement noted.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Nadda ji reviewing health programs in Kerala makes sense—Kerala has the best health indicators in India. But is the central funding matching the state's needs? We often hear about delays in NHM funds. Hope this meeting ensures timely support for medical education and infrastructure. 🤔
As a doctor in Kerala, I appreciate the focus on drug regulation and food safety. But we need more than review meetings—the shortage of specialists in rural PHCs is critical. Also, TB Mukt Bharat needs better contact tracing in densely populated areas like Kochi. Still, good to see Centre-state coordination.
Impressive to see the Centre's attention on Kerala's health system. The TB elimination target by 2025 is ambitious but necessary. Free diagnostics and drugs are lifelines for many poor families. Hope the state's strong health infrastructure sets an example for other states. Keep the collaboration going! 🙌
On paper, everything looks great. But in reality, the Free Drug Service Initiative often has stockouts in peripheral hospitals. The meeting should have focused on last-mile delivery. Still, it's positive that the Centre acknowledged Kerala's efforts—let's just hope the support isn't just verbal.
Great to see health being discussed at such a high level! Kerala has always led in healthcare, but the challenges of medical education and drug regulation are real. The Centre should also address the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in the state. Hope this meeting leads to concrete action! 😊
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