Kerala Emerging as Leader in Healthcare, Biotech Due to its Resilience: CM Vijayan

The CM highlighted proactive measures taken by the state to create a fertile ground for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in life sciences.

In a recent address, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized the state’s ascent as a leader in healthcare and biotechnology, attributing this growth to its resilience in navigating natural disasters and health crises such as Nipah and COVID-19.

He outlined proactive measures taken to cultivate an environment ripe for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in life sciences.

"Kerala is laying the groundwork for a knowledge-based society, integrating healthcare, industry, and research. The Life Sciences Park in Thiruvananthapuram is pivotal to this vision, and we are planning to establish similar hubs across the state to drive this agenda forward," he said at the second edition of Bio Connect, Kerala's flagship life sciences conference.

Speaking at the event, Vijayan also reiterated the state's vision to become a knowledge-driven economy, with a strong emphasis on biotechnology and healthcare innovation.

Further, the Kerala CM outlined plans for new Centres of Excellence in microbiomes, nutraceuticals, and genome research to facilitate early disease detection and prevention.

"Kerala's focus on research and development is a cornerstone of our strategy to position the state as a hub for innovation, bridging healthcare with industry,’’ the CM noted.

State Minister for Law and Industries P Rajeev in his address highlighted Kerala's achievements in creating a business-friendly environment.

Additionally, he announced the establishment of the CSIR. NIIST Centre for Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship at Bio 360 Life Sciences Park.

Dr Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, emphasized upon the importance of integrating healthcare and technology to meet future challenges in life sciences, the release said.

"Kerala is the only state in the country where research and development have become an essential part of life sciences,’’ Dr Ella said.

Kerala’s Growing Focus on Healthcare

Days back, State Health Minister Veena George directed the Director of Medical Education to conduct the audit during a high-level meeting with medical college officials.

The audit, part of a broader safety enhancement plan, will be conducted at both the institutional and state levels, overseen by the principals of medical colleges and the Director of Medical Education.

The safety measures ordered by Minister George include conducting mock drills, installing public address systems, CCTVs, alarms, and walkie-talkies, intensifying security monitoring, and prohibiting unauthorized individuals from remaining inside hospitals overnight.

In August, Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George unveiled digital payment systems across government hospitals in Kerala.

As part of this move, digital payment systems are being introduced in 63 government hospitals, spanning from taluk hospitals to medical colleges, where the eHealth scheme is currently operational.

The initiative will utilize 249 Point-of-Service (POS) machines, allowing patients to make payments through debit cards, credit cards, and UPI transactions.

To further modernize healthcare services, the state government is set to launch an online advance booking system for Outpatient (OP) tickets.

Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News.