The Kerala government has decided to remove the income criterion for availing pay ward facilities in government hospitals, allowing patients to access the service irrespective of their financial status. Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has directed the Health Department Principal Secretary to issue the necessary orders to implement the decision.
Income Criterion to Be Removed
According to the official statement, the existing income-based eligibility requirement had prevented several low-income patients from booking pay wards in government hospitals.
The government noted that patients arriving at emergency departments often do not provide accurate income details while obtaining outpatient tickets because of the urgency of the situation. When they subsequently seek a pay ward, the mismatch in income details can become an obstacle.
Under the existing system, patients seeking to update their income information have to submit an application to the hospital superintendent, obtain approval from the concerned official and complete additional formalities through the medical records section.
The new decision will eliminate these procedural requirements for accessing pay ward facilities.
Focus on Patient-Friendly Healthcare
Muraleedharan said the decision is aimed at making healthcare services in government hospitals more patient-friendly and ensuring that improved hospital facilities are available to patients regardless of their financial status.
The move is expected to make the process of accessing pay wards simpler by removing the income-related restrictions and associated administrative procedures.
Kerala Health Programmes Under Review
The decision comes as the state continues to review the implementation of major health programmes and public health initiatives.
Key areas reviewed recently include the TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, Free Drugs Service Initiative, Free Diagnostic Service Initiative, Human Resources for Health under the National Health Mission, medical education, drug regulation, and food safety and standards.
Important Highlights
- Kerala has decided to remove the income criterion for accessing pay ward facilities in government hospitals.
- Health Minister K. Muraleedharan directed the Health Department Principal Secretary to issue necessary orders.
- The existing income requirement had created difficulties for some low-income patients seeking pay wards.
- Patients will no longer have to complete the existing income-update procedure to access the facility.
- The decision aims to make government hospital services more patient-friendly.
- Major health programmes and public health initiatives in Kerala are also being reviewed.
