Thiruvananthapuram: A seminar organised as a part of ‘Keraleeyam’ on Friday shed light on matters concerning the state's public health infrastructure. Experts say that the number of families falling below the poverty line is increasing and this is causing a crisis in the public health sector. The experts pointed out that the number of senior citizens is increasing, and plans and policies should be formulated to ensure proper care for them. Minister Veena George presided over the seminar. 

With all health indicators being on par with that of developed nations, the state is often imprisoned by this success, remarked Jefferson Medical College Managing Director Dr M.V Pillai.

Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology Emirates Professor Dr. V Ramankutty pointed out that the state’s allocation towards the public health system needs to gradually increase.

Public Health Foundation of India President Dr Srinath Reddy said that Kerala is able to provide comprehensive health services from the primary to the advanced level but it is the prevalence of lifestyle diseases that prove to be a challenge.  Global Steering Council of the People’s Health Movement member Dr T Sundararaman said that there is a need for integrated public health policies and studies on preventable deaths.