Veena George checks government diagnostic lab services; dialysis patients applaud convenience

Eranakulam: The state government’s initiative to make diagnostic services more accessible drew direct feedback from patients on Thursday, when Health Minister Veena George personally called Pushkaran, a dialysis patient from Kumbalangi. The call was part of the minister’s surprise effort to assess the effectiveness of government-run diagnostic laboratories and dialysis services.

Pushkaran, who has been undergoing dialysis for the past one and a half years, said that access to treatment at Palluruthy Taluk Hospital has made a major difference compared to his earlier visits to a private hospital. He also highlighted the convenience of undergoing routine tests at the hospital laboratory without additional costs or travel.

Minister Veena George noted that the diagnostic laboratory network was launched to reduce treatment costs for ordinary patients and ensure efficient diagnostic services. She added that patients like Pushkaran could help spread awareness about the facilities to reach more people.

The hub-and-spoke model aims to make comprehensive laboratory testing available at primary and family health centres. Samples are collected locally and transported to central laboratories with the assistance of the postal department. Results are then shared with the respective centres and directly with patients via mobile phones. The minister recently inaugurated the statewide expansion of this project, which is seen as a model for improving access to healthcare services.