Maha Health Dept explores Kerala’s best practices to strengthen public healthcare

Mumbai, Aug 10 (IANS) 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

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