KSSP demands reconstitution of Kerala public health task force
The Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad claims the current committee composition raises concerns regarding the future of the state's healthcare system.
The Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP) has called on the State government to reform the task force appointed to examine the public healthcare sector, according to The Hindu.
In a statement issued by KSSP general secretary V. Manoj Kumar and president C. Ramakrishnan, the organisation alleged that the committee's makeup creates concerns for the state's health system.
The KSSP stated that preliminary enquiries indicated most members are heads of large private laboratory chains or corporate hospitals, while some officials support privatisation.
The organisation said the task force lacks members with direct experience in Kerala's public health system or those who have conducted significant research on the state's health challenges.
While not opposing all private participation, the KSSP argued that public health experts, health economists, and representatives of people dependent on government hospitals must have adequate representation.
The group warned that without a balanced committee, recommendations might prioritise commercial interests over the needs of the people.
The KSSP urged the government to include those directly involved in the healthcare system and to exclude individuals facing allegations.