Effective utilisation of CSR funds to boost infra in govt. hospitals: Kerala Health Minister

Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan on Friday, July 31, 2026, inaugurated several key initiatives at the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) in Thiruvanthapuram. Among the highlights were the launch of the university's first on-campus academic program, an MSc in Medical Bioinformatics, and the dedication of a medicinal plant garden supported by the National Medicinal Plants Board and the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI). Additionally, the minister launched a YouTube channel aimed at promoting public health awareness and inaugurated an e-learning studio designed to deliver masterclasses across multiple academic fields. During the inauguration, Mr. Muraleedharan emphasized the importance of combating misinformation surrounding health topics such as COVID-19 and organ transplantation. He noted that evidence-based educational content produced by the university would serve the broader community. In dedicating the medicinal plant garden, the minister highlighted its potential to alleviate shortages in the Ayurveda sector and praised the university's efforts in raising awareness about snakebite prevention. In his speech, the minister reiterated the state government's commitment to providing high-quality education and healthcare. He stated that the administration prioritizes projects that maximize public welfare while offering opportunities that might discourage the migration of students and professionals to other states or overseas. Furthermore, he announced the government's willingness to work with the private sector to enhance infrastructure in government hospitals and medical colleges through the effective utilization of corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds from banks and other organizations. Prof. Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal, the vice-chancellor of KUHS, addressed the gathering and underscored the significance of integrating the Government Medical College, Thrissur, into the university as a constituent college. This integration, he argued, would bolster health research capabilities. He called upon the government to accelerate the approval process, pointing out that the proposal has already been incorporated into the state budget. The event took place at the KUHS campus, drawing participation from officials, faculty members, and representatives from collaborating institutions. The initiatives unveiled during the ceremony reflect a growing emphasis on leveraging technology and collaborative partnerships to improve healthcare delivery and educational outcomes in Kerala. The minister's remarks also indicated a strategic shift towards utilizing private-sector resources to complement public health infrastructure, aligning with broader national goals of enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality.