Union Health Minister Shri J. P. Nadda chaired a virtual review meeting on July 7, 2026, with Shri K. Muraleedharan, Minister for Health of Kerala, to assess the implementation and progress of key health programmes and public health initiatives in the state. The meeting focused specifically on major flagship health programmes including the TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, Free Drugs Service Initiative, Free Diagnostic Service Initiative, Human Resources for Health under the National Health Mission (NHM), Medical Education, Drug Regulation, and Food Safety and Standards.
Discussions centered on strengthening healthcare delivery, improving access to quality medicines and diagnostics, augmenting health infrastructure and human resources, enhancing medical education, strengthening regulatory oversight of drugs and blood banks, and reinforcing food safety systems across Kerala. State Health Minister Muraleedharan briefed on the progress made under various health programmes and highlighted initiatives undertaken by the state government, while also outlining key challenges and areas requiring central support. He reaffirmed the state government's commitment to working closely with the Union Health Ministry to achieve national health priorities.
Union Health Minister Nadda appreciated Kerala's efforts in implementing health initiatives and assured continued support from the Government of India for strengthening the state's healthcare ecosystem. He emphasized the importance of sustained Centre-State collaboration for effective implementation of national health programmes and improved health outcomes. The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to strengthening public health systems and ensuring accessible, affordable, equitable, and quality healthcare services through sustained cooperation.
Senior officials participating in the meeting included Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava (Secretary, Union Health Ministry), Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph (Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Kerala), Smt. Aradhana Patnaik (Additional Secretary and Mission Director, NHM), Dr. Rajeev Raghuvanshi (Drugs Controller General of India), and Shri Amit Sharma (Executive Director, FSSAI), along with other senior officials from both governments.