Maha Health Dept explores Kerala's best practices to strengthen public healthcare
Mumbai, Aug 10
In a move towards making Maharashtra's public healthcare system more accessible, efficient, technology‑driven and citizen‑centric, a delegation from the Public Health Department undertook a study visit to Kerala from August 6 to 8.
The visit aimed to understand best practices, systems, and implementation mechanisms adopted in Kerala in primary healthcare, digital health, diagnostics, disease control, and public health management, and to explore how suitable practices can be adapted to Maharashtra's needs.
The delegation was led by E. Ravindran, Secretary‑II, Public Health Department, and Sanjay Shripatrao Katkar, Commissioner, Health Services and Mission Director, National Health Mission, Maharashtra. Senior officials and technical experts from the Health Services Commissionerate were also part of the team.
A key area of study was Kerala's Family Health Centre (FHC) model, under which primary health facilities provide preventive, promotive, diagnostic, curative and follow‑up services. The delegation studied how these centres integrate services such as screening and management of non‑communicable diseases, counselling, maternal and child healthcare and regular follow‑up under one platform. The functioning of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and their role in delivering comprehensive primary healthcare at the community level was also examined, said the health department release.
The delegation also studied eHealth Kerala, an integrated digital health platform that connects health facilities and enables better management of digital health records, referrals and patient information. The experience is expected to provide useful inputs for strengthening digital health systems in Maharashtra, particularly in improving continuity of care, referral mechanisms and patient follow‑up.
The study visit covered several areas, including population‑based screening for non‑communicable diseases, cancer prevention and care, maternal and newborn health services, tuberculosis elimination, antimicrobial resistance control, public health laboratory services, emergency medical services, palliative care, integrated disease surveillance and medicine procurement and supply‑chain management. The delegation particularly examined approaches for screening citizens aged 30 years and above for common non‑communicable diseases, along with systems for early detection, treatment and follow‑up, said the release.
According to health department sources, the objective was not to replicate the Kerala model in its entirety, but to identify practical and effective interventions that can be adapted to Maharashtra's geographical, demographic and healthcare requirements. Key areas identified for further consideration include conversion of selected primary health centres into Family Health Centres, fixed‑day service delivery, digital referral and patient follow‑up, strengthening of public health laboratories, confidential review of maternal deaths, rational use of antibiotics, integrated disease surveillance, palliative care and smart procurement and supply‑chain systems.
These interventions may first be implemented on a pilot basis, followed by systematic evaluation. Successful and locally adaptable models can then be considered for phased expansion across Maharashtra, said sources.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good initiative but I hope the government also focuses on rural areas. We have taluka hospitals in Vidarbha that lack even basic medicines. Kerala's success lies in their strong primary healthcare network, but Maharashtra's challenges are different - we have huge tribal populations and remote areas. Need to adapt, not just copy. Hope the department has a clear implementation plan with timelines.
This is exactly the kind of cross-state learning India needs! Both Maharashtra and Kerala have quite different demographics - while Kerala is smaller and densely populated, Maharashtra is vast with varied geography. The digital health records system especially interests me - it could help our famous medical tourism from patients coming to Mumbai and Pune from other states too. Smart move!
Ye Kerala itna aage kyun hai healthcare mein? 🤔 They focus on preventive care while we just treat diseases. The population-based screening for 30+ citizens is key - my mother-in-law was diagnosed with hypertension only after a serious episode last year. If we had regular screenings like this, many diseases could be caught early. Wish our politicians would support such initiatives more actively rather than doing ribbon cuttings for new buildings.
Having worked in public health administration for 7 years, I can say this study visit is badly needed. Our procurement and supply-chain system is a mess - medicines expire in godowns while patients suffer at the PHC level. Kerala's smart procurement model could save us crores. Just hope this doesn't end up like previous study tours - several reports gathering dust in government offices. We need action, not just reports! 💪
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