Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has announced a statewide annual health check-up programme for all citizens above 40 years of age as part of its efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare and promote early detection of diseases.
Presenting the 2026-27 Budget, Chief Minister and Finance Minister V. D. Satheesan said the initiative aims to identify lifestyle diseases and serious health conditions at an early stage, enabling timely treatment and reducing long-term healthcare costs.
The programme is expected to focus on screening for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, kidney disorders and other non-communicable diseases that are increasingly affecting the adult population. Health experts have welcomed the proposal, noting that regular screening can significantly improve health outcomes and reduce mortality rates.
In another important healthcare reform measure, the government announced a comprehensive review of medicine stocks managed by the Kerala Medical Services Corporation Limited. The review is intended to improve the availability, distribution and monitoring of medicines supplied to government hospitals and healthcare institutions across the state.
Officials said the stock assessment will help identify shortages, prevent wastage and ensure efficient procurement and distribution of essential medicines. The initiative is expected to strengthen Kerala’s public healthcare delivery system and improve patient access to critical drugs.
The announcements form part of the government’s broader healthcare strategy, which includes an allocation of ₹2,763 crore for the health sector, a second Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram, a new Government Medical College in Haripad and the launch of the Oommen Chandy Health Insurance Scheme.
The government stated that preventive healthcare, efficient medicine management and expanded healthcare infrastructure will be key pillars of its efforts to enhance public health services and improve the quality of life for citizens across Kerala.
