Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has accused private hospitals, especially those backed by international investors, of deliberately undermining the public healthcare sector.
He raised concerns over the growing influence of multinational companies in the healthcare industry, which, according to him, are primarily focused on maximising profits.
The Chief Minister made these comments on August 11, after inaugurating the newly constructed superspeciality block at Kannur District Hospital. He emphasised that private hospitals often conduct unnecessary medical tests, not for the benefit of the patient, but as part of a strategy to generate more revenue.
These tests, he said, are driven by targets and quotas, making healthcare a business rather than a public service.
Vijayan also warned that “vested interests” were actively working to undermine the government healthcare system. He stated that these forces viewed public health as a barrier to the expansion of corporate healthcare networks. The CM was particularly critical of the spread of misinformation, which he claimed was influenced by corporate strategies. He called for these elements to be identified and their motives exposed.
Health Minister Veena George presided over the function that was held to mark a significant upgrade to the district's healthcare infrastructure with the opening of the new facility.
The new superspeciality block, constructed under the Aardram Mission and funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), is a major addition to Kannur District Hospital. The ₹61.72 crore project includes five floors equipped with modern medical services, aimed at enhancing patient care in the district.
The block houses outpatient departments (OPDs) for cardiology, nephrology, and oncology, as well as three modular operation theatres, ICUs, a dialysis unit, and 23 executive pay wards.
The facility also features advanced infrastructure, such as two lifts, a sewage treatment plant, fresh water systems, and a centralised medical gas piping system. The ground floor includes a reception area, vehicle parking space, and a 110kV substation.
Currently, the district hospital sees over 3,000 patients daily in its OPDs, underscoring the demand for healthcare services in the region. With the addition of the superspeciality block, Kannur’s healthcare capacity has been significantly boosted, offering more specialised services and modern facilities under one roof.
