Kerala to give equal priority to all medical systems, says Health Minister

Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has reiterated the state government's commitment to ensuring equal priority for all medical systems, including ayurveda, homeopathy, unani, and allopathy. Speaking on Saturday after inaugurating the new building of the homeopathic hospital in Sooranad North grama panchayat, he said the government will safeguard citizens' right to choose their preferred line of treatment.

The Minister said that funds allocated to the AYUSH department from both Central and State budgets will be fully utilised to strengthen traditional healthcare infrastructure. He also noted that representatives from the homeopathy sector have been included in expert committees formed to study and combat infectious diseases.

In a move to improve emergency care, the government plans to introduce 24-hour specialty casualty facilities at General and Taluk hospitals, with Punalur Taluk Hospital selected for the initial phase. An MRI scanning machine will be installed at the hospital using Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, benefiting pilgrims travelling to Sabarimala and the local population.

Projects worth ₹5 crore have been approved to upgrade basic infrastructure at Sasthamcotta Taluk Hospital. Addressing long-standing operational issues, the Minister said the outdated staffing pattern from the 1960s will be revised to resolve staff shortages, and recruitment for vacant doctor positions will be expedited to streamline patient care.

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