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Healthcare Facilities in Kerala

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Healthcare Facilities in Kerala

Kerala, also called God's Own Country is a serene place quietly nestled in the lap of nature. Wedged between Western Ghats and the Lakshadweep, the state came into existence in 1956. Bestowed with nature's bounty, Kerala is a haven for tourists who seek a blissful and calm stay. The state is best known for its beaches lined with palm trees, mountain ranges and the backwaters. Various Malayalam speaking regions were united to form the state of Kerala. Its superb location and natural scenic beauty are ideal for healing and recovery, therefore, medical tourism and healthcare in Kerala has been very impressive. The Kerala Model of Development has healthcare as its basic pillar. The high literacy rate of the state is also responsible for excellent health services. Such healthcare services have lead to better life expectancy and good health in general. Ayurveda in Kerala is also practiced with great enthusiasm.

Healthcare Services in Kerala

The Kerala model of development has ensured that healthcare be given the utmost importance and the presence of more than 2700 government medical institutions ensure that the health services are always in good condition. The government has also devised many schemes which aim towards bettering the health condition of poor people. The infrastructure of the health services in the state was established when it was ruled by princely states. After the state was reorganised, long strides have been taken in the health service domain and the current scenario speaks highly of the efforts put in by a lot of people and group. National programmes have been implemented in Kerala for eradication of several diseases. The acceptability and the cooperation that the people of Kerala have shown towards these efforts has helped in making them successful and highly effective. The public health sector is now on the right path and caters to all in Kerala.

Role of Healthcare Department in Kerala

Government Hospital in KeralaHealthcare department in Kerala is always striving to provide exceptional healthcare facilities in the state. In terms of healthcare, Kerala is one of the best in the country. It has a record number of government and private healthcare unit despite its small size. Its impressive standards of health are directly associated with the infrastructure of the primary health centres. Its amazing literacy rate of 95 % is way more than the average 65% of India and this is the reason why people are aware of the importance of health and hygiene. Due to the constant effort of the healthcare department in Kerala, the infant mortality rate has reduced to 16 and maternal mortality rate is as low as 1. Emphasis is also being laid on the balancing of demography and sex ratio in the state. Such facts and figures put the state in the league of some of the developed nations in the world. The collaborative effort of people, private sector and public healthcare department have shown tremendous results. The healthcare department in Kerala has undertaken many health schemes, many of which are state funded, some are national schemes and others are in collaboration with UNESCO, UNICEF and WHO, however, all these schemes have the same objective of achieving an exceptional health standard in the state which could serve as an example to other parts of the country and the world.

Some of the government healthcare schemes undertaken by the government
  • Basic needs programme
  • National programme for control of blindness
  • National TB control programme
  • National filaria control programme
  • National Malaria eradication programme
  • National Leprosy eradication programme
  • Sexually transmitted diseases control programme
  • National AIDS control programme
  • State Mental health programme
  • National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Programme
  • Family welfare diagram
  • Maternal and Child Health programme
  • Immunisation programme
  • Child Survival and Safe Motherhood Programme (CSSM)

Medical Tourism in Kerala

Owing to the exceptional healthcare services and being so close to the nature, people from different parts of the country and the world visit Kerala for seeking recovery and treatment. Apart from medical facilities, the ancient Ayurvedic treatments of Kerala are also very renowned. This traditional therapy still finds relevance as it has been found tremendously effective in healing the body as well as the soul. All these factors add to the popularity of medical tourism in the state. Medical tourism in Kerala is also promoted by traditional science of healing called Siddha. Because of the enthusiasm that people across the world are showing towards these traditional arts of healing the government is now planning to launch a grading system that grades these centres so that the tourists can select them with ease and expect quality. There are many other factors in Kerala that promote medical tourism which are:

Ayurveda Treatment in Kerala

  • Advanced super-speciality hospitals
  • Highly qualified doctors and para-medical staffs and technician
  • Reduced cost of treatment.
  • International connectivity
  • A wide array of alternative treatments like Ayurveda

APJ Abdul Kalam had also suggested that medical tourism will be a booming sector in Kerala and, hencem must be developed. Kerala has also focussed well on Ayurveda, an ancient form of treatment and other related treatments and medication. The geographical locations, presence of natural resources and herbs with medical amazing properties have made people choose Kerala as a place where they can not only get good treatment but also recover faster. The official tourism department in Kerala has also started to market Ayurvedic and health packages aimed to promote medical and Ayurvedic tourism.

History of Medical and Ayurvedic Tourism in Kerala

Kerala boasts of a rich history related to traditional medical practices like Ayurveda and also the modern medical practice. The oldest hospital in Kerala, Government Medical College was opened in 1951 and was inaugurated by the Jawahar Lal Nehru. There are many hospitals that are housed by the campus of the college. The quality of treatment afforded in these hospitals laid the foundation of medical tourism in Kerala. In the recent past many such renowned hospitals have been established and collaborated in making Kerala a major centre of Medical and Ayurvedic tourism.

Popular Ayurvedic treatments in Kerala are Uzhichil, Pizchil, Nasyam and Dhaara which are among the main attractions.

Why is Medical and Ayurvedic Tourism Popular in Kerala?

There are many factors that put Kerala in the centre of medical tourism in India. Kerala has a landscape that no other state in India can boast of. Surrounded by the dense forests of Western Ghats, there are ample natural resources and a tropical climate that attracts tourists who find the place congenial for their recovery from any ailment. The infrastructural development in cities like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram has also put the spotlight on Kerala.
  • Natural landscape
  • Close to nature and away from pollution
  • Experienced and highly qualified doctors
  • Complex surgeries have been successfully performed in Kerala at low cost.
  • Wellness tourism is fostered owing to the presence of natural resources like herbs, springs with medicinal properties and organic food.
  • Naturopathy like Ayurveda and Siddha is quite relevant and famous in the state and many tourists go for these treatments.


Till Today Kerala is the only Indian state which practices this scheme of medicine (ayurvedic treatment) with unconditional dedication.

Ayurvedic Treatment Facilities in Kerala

Apart from the medical facilities, occupational and alternative treatments are also an integral part of overall healthcare. These treatments and medications include Unani medicine, Ayurveda and Siddha and many others. These streams are taught in various government and private institute in Kerala so that these ancient sciences are not extinct. In Kerala, as Ayurveda is quite prominent, there are many Ayurvedic colleges in Kerala which offer courses in these disciplines. If you wish to learn these alternative treatments, you can enroll at these institutes. The people in Kerala have more faith in traditional ways of treatment and, therefore, they do not want them to get extinct. The government too has taken measures to expand the span of medical services and, therefore, facilitated the opening of these institutions and centres.

Ayurveda college in Trivandrum: The Government Ayurveda College is situated in Thiruvananthapuram which is the capital city of Kerala. It is affiliated to Kerala University and offers graduation and post graduation degrees in Ayurveda.

Address: MG Road, Trivandrum, Kerala

KMCT Ayurved Medical College Kozhikode: KMCT is located in Kozhikode and is one of the most reputed institution for Ayurvedic studies.

Address: Mampatta, Manaserry, Kozhikode, Kerala

Shree Narayan Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research in Kollam: This Ayurvedic college is affiliate of University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram.

Address: R Shankar Nagar, Karimpinpuzha, Kollam

Ayurved College Palakkad: Vishnu Ayurved College is located at Palakkad. The college offers various courses in Ayurveda and is affiliated to University of Calicut.

Address: PO Government Press, Shoranur, Kerala

Santhigiri Siddha Medical College in Thriuvananthapuram: The medical college specialises in Siddha.

Address: Koliyacodu, PO Pothencode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Government Hospitals in Kerala


Medical Assistance Kerala

There are several government hospitals and healthcare centres in Kerala. You can find these hospitals at all the major cities in Kerala like Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Alleppey, Kolam, etc. Some of the oldest government hospitals in India are located in Kerala. Many of these are super-speciality hospitals and others are general hospitals. All kinds of facilities are available in the hospitals.

Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) is, undoubtedly, one of Asia's best tertiary care medical centre. Established by KIMS Healthcare Management Ltd, it is a landmark hospital in Kerala. The 600 bed multi-disciplinary hospital was founded with the sole objective of offering superb healthcare services and specialised medical care at affordable cost.

Address: P.B.No.1, Anayara P.O, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 029, Kerala, India
Website: https://trivandrum.kimsglobal.com/
Tele: 2447575.

Trivandrum Medical College

It was the first medical college and hospital in Kerala and is being conferred as AIIMS. It is multi-speciality government hospital offering healthcare services to all classes of people.

Address: Medical College Ulloor Road, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695011
Phone: 0471 252 8300

Government Medical College in Kottayam

It is one of the most prominent government medical colleges in Kerala located in Kottayam. The hospital and the college is located in Arpookara and was established in 1970. Later the locality came to be known as Gandhinagar. It is a multi-disciplinary hospital offering specialised medical care to the patients.

Address: Gandhinagar, Kottayam, Kerala 686008
Phone: 0481 259 7279

Medical College Hospital Alappuzha

T.D. Medical College is the first medical college and hospital in the state which was started as a private hospital was later turned in to government. The medical college and hospital is located in the sub-urban area of Vandanam which lies around 9 km south of the Alappuzha city, earlier known as Alleppey. The hospital offers medical care in various disciplines and specialisation.

Address: Vandanam, Allappuzha, Kerala
Tel: 091 - 477 - 2272611

Private Hospitals in Kerala

Best Private Hospitals in Kerala

Apart from the government hospitals in Kerala, there are several Private hospitals too, that are offering excellent healthcare services to the people of Kerala and also the medical tourists. These super specialities and general hospitals have competent doctors and latest equipments which ensure that the patients get the best medical facilities in Kerala.

Tata General Hospital Munnar

Tata Global Beverages company operates and maintains the General Hospital in Munnar, Kerala. This healthcare unit of TATA has 150 beds. For over a period of 100 years, it has been primarily catering to the workers and the families who worked at the tea plantation which covers the area of 500 square kilometres and reaches out to more than 100,000 people. This hospital also offers its medical care services to the residents of the surrounding areas in Munnar as it is the only medical establishment of repute in the radius of 30 kms. The hospital has various specialisations like neonatal care, cardiology department, neurology, nephrology and many more.

Address: Munnar, Kerala
Tel: 091 - 4865 – 230270

Chaithanya Eye Hospital and Research Hospital in Ernakulam

It is a NABH accredited-eye hospital, which has been pioneered in offering eye treatment in the country. People from all over the country come to the hospital to get their eyes treated.

Address: Ernakulam, 682011
Phone Number: 0484-2357135

Cradle Calicut Maternity Care Hospital

It is a private hospital located in Kozhikode which is specialised in maternity and neonatal care. It is a famous private hospital which offers exceptional service in the city.

Address: NH- 17, Bypass Road Airport Bypass Road, Kozhikode - 673014
Phone Number: 0495-2436000
Fax: 0495-243604

Nursing Homes in Kerala

In remote areas where there are no big hospitals, nursing homes provide basic healthcare. There are hundreds of nursing homes in Kerala in the cities like Kochi, Thrissur, Kannur, Kottayam and many other places. These nursing homes have basic medical facilities and in case there is an emergency, these nursing homes refer the patients to speciality hospitals after giving a preliminary treatment. These nursing homes are also a part of healthcare facilities in Kerala and do their bit by offering just in time medical care. Some of the nursing homes that exist in different districts of Kerala are Aan Maria Nursing home, Kottayam, Amma Home Nursing in Thrissur, City Nursing home Kasargod, Gouri Shankar Nursing home, Thrissur, Karuna Nursing home, Khozikode, Kripa Nursing home Kannur, Mother Teresa Health nursing service, Kochi and hundreds of such Nursing homes. These nursing homes offer medical facilities related to general health, Cardiology, Obstetrics, ENT and other basic medical care.

Yoga Retreats in Kerala

Yoga Retreats in KeralaIf you have chosen Kerala as your destination, you must try Yoga in one of the retreats here. Yoga is quite popular in Kerala and most of the tourists who visit Kerala from India or abroad, learn and practice Yoga at least whilst their stay in Kerala. There are many Yoga retreats in Alleppey, Ernakulam, Khozikode and other districts and you can stay in any one of them to get close to Yoga. Practicing Yoga, an ancient form of exercise is proven to be highly effective for keeping the body fit and healthy. This art has been in India since centuries and has been transferred to the world. The Yoga retreats and Ashrams in Kerala offer Yoga practice and you can also stay there and learn the ways of leading a healthy and organic life.

The Shivanand Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantri Ashram
This centre of Yoga and meditation lies amidst the magnificent hills of Western Ghats and is surrounded by lush green coconut trees and beautiful flowers. Such serene and tranquil ambience makes the Ashram congenial for practicing Yoga and meditation. Neyyar Dam in the backdrop offers a splendid view which is increased manifold by the palm trees and beds of colourful flowers. The Yoga and meditation Ashram is one of the best Yoga retreats in Kerala and a must-visit for all Yoga enthusiasts.

The program offered by the Ashram covers classical techniques in Yoga, which combining with the natural atmosphere gives a spiritual essence to life.

Address: Neyyar Dam P.O., Trivandrum, Kerala 695 572
Phone number: +914712273093/2703 / +919495630951

Mundax Homestay Yoga Meditation Retreat
Matagi Mundax is an eco-friendly Kerala Homestay and Yoga Meditation Retreat spread across four acres of organic farm amidst the natural beauty of Thekkady. This Yoga and meditation retreat is certified as a “Diamond” category Homestay by the Kerala Government Tourism Department.

Address: Kuttikkanam P O Thekkady Idukki District
Phone number: +91944 755 0804

Yoga Centres in Kerala

You can have the golden opportunity of learning Yoga at one of the most calm and serene places in the world- Kerala. There are many Yoga classes and centres at all major districts in Kerala that offer Yoga classes and courses. Most of these classes are established at places which are quite close to natural scenic beauty. The natural ambience makes the process of learning Yoga even more rewarding and fruitful. There are trained Yoga teachers who will instruct you and teach you Yoga. Many famous politicians and celebrities practice different forms of Yoga, which has made Yoga a lot more famous in the international circuit.

Some of the famous Yoga classes and centres in Kerala
  • Drishti Vinyas Yoga: Courses offered at Drishti Yoga courses mainly follow the traditional practices of Vinayas Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Sivananda Yoga, Yin Yoga and Anusara Yoga. The courses offered are 220 hours Drishti Vinyasa Yoga Training and Intensive Vinyasa yoga training based on tradition of Sri Krishnamacharya hailed as the father of modern Yoga
Address: TC6/1076, Thozhuvancode, Vattiyoorkavu, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Phone number: +919847913870

  • Padmakarma Yogashalaya: It is a Registered Yoga school (RYS) by Yoga Alliance. It is open in the months of January, February, March, April, August, September, October, November, December. The techniques taught there include meditation and Pranayam. The teachings are based on Ashtanga, Hath Yoga, Vinyasa and shivanada Yoga.
Address: Pink Flowers, Light House Beach, Kovalam
Phone no.: +919895 882 915

  • Amrita Yoga classes: Amrita Yoga was started by Mata Amritanandamayi who is lovingly called as Amma. She is one of the world’s most revered humanitarians and spiritual leaders. The entire life of Amma has been dedicated to reducing the pain of the poor and needy and also those who are suffering from physical and emotional ailments. You can get accommodation at the Ashram itself and get enrolled in the courses. The styles followed here are Hatha, Bhakti and Karma.
Address: Mata Amritanandamayi Math, Amritapuri.p.o, Kollam, Kerala, India, 690525
Phone number: +91 476-289-7578

  • Veda Wellness Ayurveda Spa and Yoga Center, Fort Kochi, Kerala: Yoga classes and courses are offered here. The Yoga centre is situated in Kochi and the techniques taught here is meditation, yoga, Pranayam and Nidra (sleep). The styles of Yoga that are followed in this centres is ashtanga, Hatha, detox, iyengar and sivanda.
Address: Elim, Chirattappalam, Fort Kochi, Kochi -682001, Kerala, India
Phone number: +918129400650

  • Santhi school of Yoga and Vedanta Studies: It has been established as a non-profit organisation. The proceeds are directed to the upkeep of the yoga ashram and other charity works
Address: Arackal House No 1/1790, Chirattapalam, Fort Cochin 682001, Kerala
Phone number: +919846273982
11251

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