Kerala's 24x7 specialty care plan stalls at lone pilot site in Punalur

Kerala's Health Department is facing headwinds in its effort to provide round-the-clock specialty care at general and district hospitals, with the initiative's only pilot site struggling to maintain uninterrupted services.

The Punalur taluk hospital, the sole location where the model has been tested, is finding it difficult to sustain 24x7 operations. The challenges are twofold: an acute shortage of doctors and resistance from local political quarters.

Department officials had hoped to bridge the gap by redeploying specialists and expanding teleconsultation services. However, these measures have not been enough to keep the pilot running smoothly.

At the heart of the problem is a staffing shortfall that officials say can only be resolved by creating hundreds of new specialist positions. That proposal is still awaiting approval from the Finance Department, leaving the rollout in limbo.

With the pilot yet to demonstrate a viable path forward, the broader plan to extend round-the-clock specialty care across the state remains uncertain.