Kerala's Health Paradox: Low Mortality, High Illness

Kerala, India's foremost state in health infrastructure, demonstrates an intriguing paradox of low mortality rates coupled with high morbidity. The state consistently reports an infant mortality rate of five per 1,000 live births, significantly lower than the national average and comparable to developed nations. This achievement is largely attributed to its near-universal literacy, particularly among women, which fosters critical health awareness.

Life expectancy in Kerala stands at 75 years, surpassing the national average, and its maternal mortality ratio is exceptionally low at 19 per 100,000 live births. These indicators reflect a robust healthcare system, including extensive primary health centers and well-staffed facilities. However, the state is in an advanced stage of epidemiological transition, with non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension being prevalent.

Despite its successes in reducing deaths, Kerala faces challenges with high rates of illness and significant out-of-pocket health expenditure. Catastrophic health costs impact many households, pushing them towards poverty. The state's health allocation, though better than the national average, is deemed insufficient to tackle the growing burden of lifestyle diseases and an ageing population.

Community-based palliative care is a pioneering area where Kerala leads globally. This initiative provides essential end-of-life care and pain management, reducing healthcare costs. Nevertheless, challenges persist in stigma reduction and enhancing outreach for palliative services.

The state also grapples with high rates of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular issues and diabetes, with control rates for hypertension and diabetes remaining low. Road accidents and high suicide rates also pose significant public health concerns for Kerala.