Kerala Health Department to Provide Doorstep Medical Care for Extreme-Poor Families

Thiruvananthapuram: Doorstep health services will be ensured for the extreme-poor under the government’s Kerala Without Extreme-Poverty initiative. The Health Department has devised an action plan and issued guidelines to maintain continuity of healthcare services for these vulnerable families.

A brainstorming session was conducted to prepare the plan aimed at strengthening healthcare protection for extremely poor households. Health workers will visit their homes to carry out blood tests and provide medical assistance. These door-to-door health screenings are scheduled from September 28 to October 28, with strict adherence to service protocols.

Tests to be conducted include blood count, random blood sugar (RBS), blood urea/serum creatinine, SGOT/SGPT, lipid profile, and HBs antigen. Following the home screenings, individuals requiring further treatment will be linked to appropriate care. Care coordinators will be appointed at institutional levels to facilitate this process.

Arrangements will also be made, in collaboration with relevant departments, to transport pregnant women for delivery and tribal patients for medical treatment. When hospital companions are needed, local bodies will appoint volunteers, while additional expenses will be supported by local government institutions.

Special attention will be given to pregnant women, bedridden patients, malnourished infants, individuals with congenital disabilities, persons with disabilities, elderly living alone, and those facing mental health challenges. Monthly home visits by health workers will be ensured for extremely poor families. Bedridden and elderly individuals living alone will receive care every two weeks.

Monthly health screenings will be conducted, with medical officers evaluating results to decide on further action. Beneficiaries will be enrolled in various government health schemes to guarantee access to adequate treatment.