Govt Hosps in Kerala See Increase in Patient Inflow

Affordability, better facilities, among other factors, resulted in trend

- ANNA JOSE @ Kochi

AT A time when Kerala is witnessing a debate over the availability and effectiveness of healthcare facilities in the government sector, data with the directorate of health services shows that the number of people visiting government hospitals in the state has risen over the years. Even so, the number of inpatients or those seeking treatment for serious illnesses has come down significantly over the past eight years.

In 2023-24, as many as 11.29 crore people visited government hospitals, including primary health centres, community health centres, taluk hospitals, and district hospitals. Affordability, better facilities, and awareness about the services provided there have resulted in the trend.

"Increased morbidity is one of the reasons why out-of-pocket expenditure and treatment-seeking are high in Kerala," Dr B Ekbal, a public health expert, told TNIE.

"Also, the number of people with healthcare-seeking behaviour is high in the state. So is the case with people who can afford healthcare costs and have insurance claims."