Directory of Government Hospitals in Kerala

Accessing Public Healthcare Facilities Across the State.

Scroll down for official links and detailed information.

Overview of Kerala's Public Healthcare System

Kerala's public healthcare system is structured to provide comprehensive services from primary to tertiary levels. The system is renowned for its widespread reach and focus on public health, preventive care, and accessible treatment. The **Health and Family Welfare Department** of the Government of Kerala is the apex body overseeing this system, with two main directorates managing the hospitals:

  • Directorate of Health Services (DHS): Manages primary and secondary care facilities, which include Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), Taluk Hospitals, District Hospitals, and General Hospitals.
  • Directorate of Medical Education (DME): Responsible for medical colleges and their attached teaching hospitals, which provide specialized tertiary care and medical education.

This multi-tiered approach ensures that citizens can access appropriate medical care based on the complexity of their health needs.

Types of Government Hospitals and Services Offered

Kerala's government hospitals are categorized based on their size, facilities, and the level of care they provide:

1. Medical College Hospitals (Under DME)

  • These are the largest and most specialized public hospitals in Kerala, attached to government medical colleges.
  • Services: Offer a full range of super-specialty services (Cardiology, Neurology, Oncology, Nephrology, Gastroenterology, etc.), complex surgeries, advanced diagnostic facilities (MRI, CT Scan), intensive care units (ICUs), and serve as major referral centers for other hospitals. They also provide medical education and research.
  • Examples: Government Medical College Hospitals in Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kollam, Idukki.

2. General Hospitals & District Hospitals (Under DHS)

  • These are large hospitals providing secondary level care, often serving as referral centers for Taluk Hospitals and lower-level facilities.
  • Services: Offer specialist consultations (General Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Gynecology, Orthopedics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Dermatology), basic surgeries, diagnostic facilities (X-ray, Ultrasound, basic lab tests), emergency services, and inpatient care.
  • They are usually located in district headquarters or major towns.

3. Taluk Hospitals (Under DHS)

  • These hospitals provide secondary care at the sub-district or Taluk level.
  • Services: General medical consultations, minor surgical procedures, basic diagnostic tests, maternal and child health services, and emergency care. They act as referral points to District/General Hospitals.
  • Many Taluk Hospitals have been upgraded to Taluk Head Quarters Hospitals (THQHs) with improved facilities.

4. Community Health Centres (CHCs) (Under DHS)

  • CHCs are the first referral unit for 4-5 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), serving a population of around 80,000 to 1.2 lakh.
  • Services: Basic medical care, maternity services, family planning, child health services, immunization, and some minor surgical procedures. They have 30 beds and basic laboratory facilities.

5. Primary Health Centres (PHCs) / Family Health Centres (FHCs) (Under DHS)

  • These are the grassroots-level healthcare facilities, serving a population of 20,000 to 30,000 in rural areas. Many PHCs are being upgraded to Family Health Centres (FHCs) under the 'Aardram Mission' to provide enhanced primary care.
  • Services: Basic medical consultations for common ailments, preventive and promotive health services, immunization, antenatal and postnatal care, family planning, and health education. They act as the first point of contact for rural populations.

How to Find Government Hospitals in Kerala

While a single comprehensive, always-updated online directory covering all types of government hospitals (from PHCs to Medical Colleges) might not be centralized on one specific portal, several official resources can help you locate them:

  1. eHealth Kerala Portal: This is the most centralized and useful portal for searching government hospitals and booking appointments online for many facilities.
    • Visit the eHealth Kerala Hospital Search page.
    • You can search by district, hospital type (Medical College, General Hospital, Taluk Hospital, etc.), or specific hospital name.
    • This portal also facilitates online appointments for OPD visits in many government hospitals.
  2. State Health Agency (SHA) Kerala: While primarily for health insurance schemes like KASP, SHA sometimes publishes lists of empanelled government hospitals.
    • Check the SHA Kerala website for "Empanelled Hospitals" or "Public Hospitals List." For instance, a list of public hospitals empanelled under KASP is often available as a downloadable PDF.
  3. Directorate of Health Services (DHS) Kerala: The official website of DHS may contain information or links to directories for the facilities it manages.
  4. Directorate of Medical Education (DME) Kerala: For Medical College Hospitals, the DME website is the authoritative source.
  5. District Administration Websites: Many district administration websites (e.g., Thrissur, Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam NIC sites) provide "Public Utilities" or "Health" sections which list government hospitals specific to that district, including contact numbers and addresses.
    • For example, you can search "Thrissur NIC hospitals" or "Thiruvananthapuram government hospitals" to find such lists.
  6. Arogyakeralam (NHM Kerala): The National Health Mission's Kerala chapter often provides resources related to public health institutions, including lists of PHCs, CHCs, etc.

Tips for Using Online Directories

  • Specify Location: When using search functions on portals, always try to filter by district or Taluk to narrow down results.
  • Check Hospital Type: Understand the level of care you need (primary, secondary, or tertiary) to select the appropriate hospital type.
  • Verify Information: While official portals strive for accuracy, it's always advisable to cross-verify contact numbers or addresses if planning a visit, especially for smaller facilities.
  • Use MeHealth App: The "MeHealth" app by eHealth Kerala Society is available on Google Play and allows users to book appointments online at eHealth-enabled government hospitals.

Important Official Portals and Resources

For the most up-to-date information on specific hospitals, their services, and contact details, always refer to the relevant district administration website or the eHealth Kerala portal.

Find the nearest government hospital for your healthcare needs!

Search Hospitals on eHealth Kerala

Committed to providing accessible and quality healthcare for all citizens of Kerala.