Kerala has set an ambitious goal to achieve universal health coverage by 2031, Health Minister Veena George announced at the ‘Vision 2031’ health seminar in Thiruvalla.
Emphasising infection prevention and epidemic control as top priorities, the Minister noted that the State’s health system is facing new challenges, including lifestyle diseases and rare infections such as amoebic meningoencephalitis. To strengthen preparedness, the government plans to establish a comprehensive epidemic intelligence system for early detection and swift response to potential outbreaks.
Micro-level health action plans will be developed at the local body level to boost community-based disease prevention. The government also aims to upgrade all medical colleges into full-fledged tertiary care centres while enhancing academic and research excellence in the medical field.
In addition, an International Ayurveda Research Centre will be set up to promote traditional medicine and wellness tourism.