Kerala’s new Health Minister K Muralidharan has initiated sweeping reforms in the state’s health department, bringing hope to the public. Within just 10 days of assuming office, he has taken bold steps to overhaul the system, starting with Thiruvananthapuram Medical College as a pilot project.

One of the first major changes was appointing Dr. Sunil, head of the Urology department with 15 years of experience at the medical college, as his private secretary. This move leverages practical knowledge combined with the minister’s political seniority and willpower to drive transformation. The reforms aim to address long-standing issues such as dirty and smelly hospitals, inefficient queue systems, and staff negligence.

The queue system at the outpatient department has been completely revamped. Previously, patients had to wait for hours from early morning for separate queues for tokens, doctor consultations, and medicines. Now, a single queue handles all these, with special priority queues for those over 80 and differently-abled. Staff previously idle due to union influence have been redeployed to assist patients. Cleanliness drives have been initiated across all government hospitals, from primary health centers to medical colleges.

For inpatients, revolutionary changes are underway. All scattered labs within the campus are being consolidated into a single center to prevent relatives from running around for tests. After 8 PM, lab staff are now responsible for collecting samples and conducting tests, relieving attendants of this burden. Strict action is being taken against lab technicians who draw high salaries without performing tests. All inpatient tests must be completed by the next day, with duty doctors and hospital superintendents held accountable.

The previous government’s practice of inflating patient numbers by forcing monthly visits for chronic conditions like heart disease and stroke has been ended. Now, patients can send a relative with a prescription to collect medicines, even after working hours. These measures are expected to bring significant relief to the common people.