New Delhi, July 7 (IANS) Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J. P. Nadda on Tuesday chaired a virtual review with K. Muraleedharan, Minister for Health, Government of Kerala, to review implementation and progress of key health programs in the state.

The meeting focused on the implementation and progress of major flagship initiatives in Kerala, including the TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, Free Drugs Service Initiative, Free Diagnostic Service Initiative, Human Resources for Health under the National Health Mission (NHM), Medical Education, Drug Regulation, and Food Safety and Standards.

The discussions stressed strengthening healthcare delivery, improving access to quality medicines and diagnostics, augmenting health infrastructure and human resources, the statement from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.

The minister also discussed measures to enhance medical education, strengthen regulatory oversight of drugs and blood banks, along with reinforcing food safety systems across Kerala.

“K. Muraleedharan apprised the Union Health Minister of the progress made by Kerala under various flagship health programs and highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the State Government to further strengthen healthcare delivery,” the statement noted.

He also briefed the Union Health Minister on key challenges and areas requiring Central support. Muraleedharan reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working in close coordination with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to achieve national health priorities.

The Union Health Minister appreciated the efforts made by the state in implementing various health initiatives and assured continued support. He emphasised the importance of sustained Centre-State collaboration to ensure effective implementation of national health programmes and improved health outcomes for the people.

The meeting concluded with both the Centre and the state reaffirming their commitment to strengthen public health systems and ensure accessible, affordable, equitable and quality healthcare services for all citizens through effective implementation of flagship health programs, the statement noted.

—IANS

aar/ag