Kerala Hospitals to Offer 24/7 Specialist Care

As of August 22, 2026, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has announced a significant healthcare enhancement for Keralam. Speciality care services are slated to become available round-the-clock in the state's district and general hospitals.

This ambitious project is scheduled for implementation within the next six months, reflecting the government's commitment to providing uninterrupted, quality healthcare services to all citizens. Initially, one hospital in each district will offer these 24-hour services, focusing on crucial specialties such as General Medicine, Surgery, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, and Gynaecology.

The initiative aims to alleviate the strain on medical colleges by decentralizing specialist treatment. Shinu K.S., Additional Director, has been appointed as the Special Officer to oversee the assessments and coordination necessary for this rollout. Human resources, including medical, nursing, and paramedical staff, will be evaluated and deployed as needed.

Despite the planned improvements, the Kerala Government Medical Officers' Association (KGMOA) has raised concerns. They emphasize the need for a robust stay-duty system and the creation of new posts to comply with existing government orders limiting medical officers' working hours to 12 hours within a 24-hour period. KGMOA plans to discuss these challenges with the government to find a viable solution.