By -Dr. Kanika Sharma
By -January 8, 2024Economic development can benefit more greatly and efficiently from the contributions of a healthy society. Prolonged and costly illnesses push even financially well-off people into a ditch of poverty. To fully enjoy each stage of life, one must be in good health. Kerala has attained high health standards largely due to increased health consciousness and high educational levels, particularly among women. The 13th Five-Year Plan period includes the implementation of measures that specifically tackle issues related to general health, rural and tribal health, female health, mother-child wellness, health insurance, and medical tourism. To overcome these obstacles, the government is working to further strengthen the public health care system.
The state government is making health services more accessible to everyone. When compared to other Indian states, Kerala has attained a good state of health. In addition to other social factors like a high literacy rate, an efficient public distribution system, less worker exploitation because of the existence of workers organizations, etc, the easy accessibility and coverage of medical care facilities have had a significant impact on Kerala's health system. Initiated in 1996, the People's Campaign for Decentralised Planning broadened access to healthcare and improved primary and secondary healthcare institution’s services and facilities. In Kerala, AYUSH systems and allopathic medicine both have a significant impact on granting the universal access and availability of healthcare to all the sections of society.
Kerala's health indices, which include a high life expectancy, low infant mortality, birth, death rates, etc., have improved significantly. The state government's strong emphasis on public healthcare system, primary health care (PHC), health infrastructure, decentralized governance, healthcare budgetary management, girls' education, community involvement, and an intention to improve systems in response to identified gaps are some of the factors that have contributed to Kerala's improvements in health.
Furthermore, Kerala also increased the number of doctors, hospitals, and hospital beds in a very short span of time. Between 1960 and 2010, the doctors increased from 1200 to 36,000, and between 1960 and 2004, the count of primary healthcare facilities rose from 369 to 1356.The number of PHC centers and doctors increased, which decreased patient care costs and eased the strain on secondary and tertiary care facilities while enabling the delivery of appropriate care wherever it was needed. Shortly after Kerala became a state, more public health and social development programmes were launched. These included the fight for safe drinking water in Trivandrum (the state capital), and universal primary education for both sexes. These efforts helped to foster a robust and efficient primary care system.
If you are looking for public healthcare services in Kerala, then you are in the right place. In this article, you can explore the top government hospitals in Kerala.
Location: GWFH+F82, Ulloor - Akkulam Road, Chalakkuzhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695011
Established in 1951, boasting 1950 beds, this institution offers a range of services across 28 departments, encompassing general medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, pathology, and more. It ensures 24/7 emergency services and caters to patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, and cardiac ailments. Following the Kerala model of healthcare, it maintains health indices comparable to developed nations, surpassing national averages. Notably, during the 1950s Asian flu pandemic, the institute played a pivotal role in isolating and researching the virus. Looking ahead, a significant development is the introduction of the first-ever Criticare department in a government hospital, announced by the government on December 27, 2023. This department will feature cutting-edge systems, including an ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) machine.
Location: GWCG+FHJ, Jai Nagar W Rd, Chalakkuzhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011
Founded in 1970 with 1200 beds, this institution is committed to conducting both basic and clinical research across multiple medical science domains, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurology, and infectious diseases.
Specializing in the advanced treatment of cardiac and neurological disorders, it also emphasizes the indigenous development of technologies for biomedical devices and materials. State-of-the-art technologies incorporated range from interventional radiology and cardiac electrophysiology to deep brain stimulation for movement disorders, epilepsy surgery, pediatric cardiac surgery, and surgeries related to the base of the skull and vascular issues.
Location: Hospital Rd, Marine Drive, Ernakulam, Kerala, 682011
Established in 1845, equipped with 783 beds, this institution excels in its Oncology department, featuring cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment facilities like a linear particle accelerator. Future plans include the initiation of renal transplants and a neurosurgery department. With a track record of over 20,000 cardiac procedures, including angioplasty and pacemaker placements, it is now specialized in conducting Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) also. This procedure is performed in only a select few government hospitals. In 2012, NABH accredited this hospital for its standardized quality care.
Location: C85X+72Q, NH 66, Vandanam, Kerala, 688005
Founded in 1963, having 1050 beds, TDMC Alappuzha boasts a diverse array of departments, including Cardiology, Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Anatomy, Biochemistry, Forensic Medicine, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Anaesthesiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Paediatric Surgery, Genito Urinary Surgery, and NeuroSurgery.
Additionally, a radiotherapy department was established in 1994, catering to cancer patients with services such as Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy, Palliative care, and Community oncology. A notable achievement includes collaborating with ICMR to establish a surveillance system for dengue, chikungunya, and other enteroviruses.
Location: Medical College Junction, 17, Mavoor Rd, near Police Station, Kozhikode, Kerala 673008
Founded in 1957, with a substantial 3025 beds, this institution stands as the largest hospital in India, encompassing an extensive 270-acre area. Notably, it ranks as the 10th largest hospital globally in terms of bed size.
Its services include the Institute of Maternal and Child Health of Medical College for Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders. Additionally, it houses the Institute of Palliative Medicine, recognized as a WHO collaborative center, originally established to cater to the needs of terminal cancer patients. Furthermore, the hospital accommodates the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences.
Location: Medical College Kumarapuram Rd, Medical College Campus, Chalakkuzhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011
Established in 1981, currently with 450 beds and an additional 250 under development, this institution is a result of a joint collaboration between the Government of Kerala and the Government of India.
Dedicating itself to the well-being of the community, it annually treats 2.75 lakh patients, specializing in various facets of cancer treatment encompassing medical, surgical, and radiation oncology. The center is also a notable hub for cancer research.
Looking ahead, the institution plans a significant expansion with a new 14-floor building, a Rs 200 crore project. It aims to become the first public sector institute to introduce robotic surgery, with Rs 30 crores allocated for this advancement. Additionally, there's an allocation of ten crores for the establishment of a digital pathology lab.
Location: Govt Medical College, Vellarangal, Manjeri, Kerala
Founded in 2013 with 500 beds, this establishment is furnished with 12 operation theaters and houses clinical, pre-clinical, and para-clinical departments, along with cath labs and a critical coronary unit.
Location: GWFH+F82, Ulloor - Akkulam Road, near SAT Hospital Medical College Junction, Chalakkuzhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011
Established in 1952 with 1025 beds, this institution functions as the maternal and child health wing of the Government Medical College. Annually serving 75,000 patients with over 28,000 admissions and more than 10,000 deliveries, it also initiated a fertility clinic in 2012. Currently, a new maternity block is under construction, and the institution actively engages in WHO-ICMR research activities.
Location: C34P+H7W, Neyyattinkara Kattakada Rd, Alummoodu, Neyyattinkara, Kerala, 695121
With 225 beds, the institution comprises a staff of 440, including 40 doctors and 125 paramedical professionals. Offering both inpatient and outpatient services, along with 24x7 emergency and trauma care, the hospital specializes in various medical fields such as Gynecology, Pediatrics, Cardiology, Urology, Neurology, and Ophthalmology.
Equipped with modern medical facilities, the hospital ensures comprehensive care through its paramedical team and administrative staff, providing services like a pharmacy and laboratories on-site. Notably, the hospital features specialized clinics for Filariasis and TB. It actively participates in health programs such as the National Rural Health Mission and Kerala State AIDS Control Society Programs.
Location: Red Cross Road, Near Palayam Airport Rd, Vanchiyoor, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695035
Founded in 1865 with a capacity of 150+ beds, this hospital specializes in diverse medical fields such as Cardiac Surgery, Cardiology, General Medicine, General Surgery, and Nephrology, including kidney transplant services. The institution is well-equipped with dedicated departments to ensure focused patient care in each specialty.
Providing a comprehensive range of facilities, the hospital encompasses alternative medicine, a blood bank, and ambulance services, catering to various medical needs and emergencies. Additionally, it extends beneficiary services under the Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY scheme).
Read more:
List of top 10 government hospital in Chenni
List of top 10 government hospital in Mumbai
List of top 10 government hospital in Delhi
List of top 10 government hospital in hyderabad
Which is the biggest government hospital in Kerala?
Founded in 1957, with a substantial 3025 beds, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, stands as the largest hospital in India, encompassing an extensive 270-acre area. Notably, it ranks as the 10th largest hospital globally in terms of bed size.
How do I choose a Government Hospital in Kerala?
If you're looking for availing healthcare services in government hospitals in Kerala, then you should consider factors like availability of speciality you require, expertise of doctors, success rate of your condition’s treatment, and accessibility to reach the hospital.
What are the tips for having a better patient experience at a government hospital in Kerala?
A: Here are some tips for having a better patient experience at a government hospital in Kerala:
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