Statewide ‘Thudakkam’ Cleanliness Drive to Begin on May 30 Across Government Hospitals
The Kerala Health Department has announced a major overhaul of healthcare services across government hospitals, introducing a strict “one bed for one patient” policy and a series of patient-friendly reforms aimed at improving treatment facilities, reducing overcrowding, and strengthening hospital infrastructure statewide.
The decision comes amid rising concerns over severe overcrowding in government hospitals, where several patients were reportedly forced to undergo treatment on floors due to a shortage of beds.
Bed Capacity Expansion on War Footing
To address the crisis, the department has directed all hospitals to urgently expand bed capacity within existing infrastructure and implement the “one bed for one patient” directive on a war footing.
Hospital authorities have also been instructed to redeploy additional staff wherever necessary to support the expanded arrangements. Superintendents, principals, district medical officers, and charge medical officers have been asked to ensure immediate implementation of the order.
‘Thudakkam’ Hospital Cleanliness Campaign from May 30
As part of pre-monsoon preparedness and healthcare reforms, the Health Department will launch a statewide hospital cleanliness campaign titled ‘Thudakkam’ on May 30.
The state-level inauguration will take place at 9 am at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College in the presence of Health and Devaswom Department Minister K. Muraleedharan.
A high-level meeting involving officials from the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Directorate of Health Services (DHS), and other departmental heads was recently convened to review pre-monsoon cleaning measures.
Authorities have directed that cleaning operations be conducted systematically with the support of local self-government institutions and schools.
Major Patient-Friendly Reforms Announced
The Health Department has also introduced several patient-centric measures aimed at improving hospital services and reducing inconvenience for patients.
Safe Drinking Water in OPDs
All outpatient departments (OPDs) will provide safe drinking water facilities for patients waiting for consultations. The initiative has already been implemented at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College.
One-Month Medicine Supply
Hospital pharmacies have been instructed to provide up to one month’s supply of medicines based on valid prescriptions wherever necessary.
Patients requiring long-term medication will receive medicines for the prescribed duration without repeated hospital visits, subject to medical advice and reports.
Night Blood Sample Collection in Wards
At Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, laboratory staff will collect blood samples directly from wards or laboratories between 8 pm and 8 am to reduce the burden on patient attendants and bystanders.
CCTV Monitoring and QR Code Complaint System
To improve accountability and patient experience, CCTV cameras will be installed at all hospital counters within one week to monitor staff behaviour towards patients.
The department warned that strict disciplinary action would be taken against staff members found causing hardship to patients.
Complaint registers will also be placed at outpatient counters, while QR code-based complaint systems will allow patients to submit complaints along with photos and videos.
Priority Services for Senior Citizens and Disabled Patients
Government hospitals will introduce priority queues for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Wheelchair assistance facilities will also be strengthened to ensure easier access to medical services.
Faster Diagnostic Services and Scan Procedures
The department has instructed hospitals to ensure that scans and diagnostic investigations for admitted patients are completed within two days.
Inpatients will receive priority for scan procedures to reduce delays in treatment.
District medical officers and hospital superintendents have been asked to prepare a detailed patient-friendly action framework within one week and implement all measures within 30 days.
Monsoon Preparedness and Medicine Stock Orders
In view of the upcoming monsoon season, the Health Department has ordered all hospitals to maintain a minimum stock of medicines and medical equipment sufficient for at least two weeks.
Strict adherence to surgical protocols has also been mandated across all healthcare institutions.
Anesthesiology Staff Shortage at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College
The department identified a shortage of anesthesiology doctors at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College as a major reason behind delays in urology surgeries.
Authorities have been directed to urgently resolve the staffing issue and ensure immediate availability of necessary surgical equipment.
RCC to Fill 13 Vacancies Urgently
At the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), 13 vacancies will be filled on an urgent basis to reduce delays in consultations and surgeries.
Remaining vacancies are expected to be filled after amendments to special recruitment rules.
AYUSH Services and Dental Infrastructure Strengthened
The department has also directed uninterrupted availability of AYUSH medicines in government hospitals.
Therapist vacancies under AYUSH services will be filled through HDS mechanisms, while shortages of dental materials and equipment will also be addressed through funding support from HDS.
Kerala Health Department Pushes for Uniform Reforms Across Hospitals
The newly announced reforms will be implemented uniformly across all government healthcare institutions, including Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Medical Colleges, and the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), with the aim of improving healthcare access, patient safety, and overall service quality across Kerala.
