Kerala Allocates 18.87 Crore Rupees to Expand Comprehensive Stroke Centers in Government Medical Colleges

Thiruvananthapuram: Health Minister Veena George has announced that the state government has sanctioned administrative approval of 18.87 crore rupees for expanding and upgrading comprehensive stroke centers in government medical colleges across Kerala. The centers will be strengthened in five institutions — Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Kannur.

Thrombolysis treatment, which was earlier available only in private and apex hospitals, is now being extended through 12 stroke units under the Health Department, in addition to those at medical colleges. Steps have also been initiated to elevate six of the state’s stroke centers to meet the standards of the World Stroke Organization (WSO) and the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH). The Health Department aims to ensure stroke treatment in all districts of Kerala by the end of this year, the minister said.

The sanctioned funds are distributed as follows: Thiruvananthapuram Medical College – 1.53 crore, Kottayam Medical College – 1.55 crore, Thrissur Medical College – 4.78 crore, Ernakulam Medical College – 5.49 crore, and Kannur Medical College – 5.50 crore.

The initiative aims to ensure timely and comprehensive care for stroke patients by upgrading neurology and neurosurgery departments with advanced facilities and modern medical equipment. Planned upgrades include ICU modernization, MRI and CT scan facilities, defibrillators, ventilators, and Doppler systems. In addition to thrombolysis, the medical colleges will be equipped to perform advanced procedures such as mechanical thrombectomy.

As part of the effort to strengthen stroke care across the state, the Cabinet has also approved the creation of nine new neurologist posts within the Health Department. With this initiative, Kerala aims to elevate its stroke treatment infrastructure to world-class standards.