UDF Moves to Halt Free Food Distribution Programmes at Government Hospitals; Targets DYFI's ‘Hridayapoorvam’ Among Others

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Health Department has come under criticism over its reported move to discontinue free meal distribution programmes that have been run by various organisations at government hospitals for several years.

Although Health Minister K Muraleedharan has announced that food will be provided through a proposed community kitchen system, critics allege that the move is aimed at dismantling existing initiatives, including the DYFI's free lunch programme, 'Hridayapoorvam', which currently provides meals to patients and their bystanders.

The existing meal distribution programmes have been functioning in government hospitals for years and are regarded as a major source of support for economically disadvantaged patients and their caregivers.

The government's decision to interfere with these long-running public welfare initiatives before establishing an effective alternative amounts to a challenge to ordinary people who depend on such services.

The reported move to prevent organisations from independently distributing free food to the poor has sparked widespread opposition. According to critics, instead of encouraging welfare activities, the UDF government is attempting to undermine them for political reasons.

Several organisations have announced plans to intensify protests outside government hospitals against the Health Minister's announcement.