As many as 1,306 clinics and 444 small hospitals have shut down across Kerala over the past five years, according to official data presented in the state legislature, raising concerns about the sustainability of smaller healthcare facilities in the state.

The figures were shared by the Kerala government in response to a query, indicating that a significant number of closures involved private clinics and hospitals with limited bed capacity. Officials attributed the trend to a combination of rising operational costs, staff shortages, and stricter regulatory requirements.

Health department sources said many small healthcare establishments struggled to cope with increased expenses related to infrastructure upgrades, compliance with safety norms, and the hiring and retention of qualified medical professionals. The financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is also believed to have accelerated closures, particularly among single-doctor clinics and small nursing homes.

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Despite the shutdowns, the government maintained that access to healthcare services in Kerala has not been severely affected, citing the presence of a strong public health network and the expansion of larger private hospitals. Officials said patient load has largely been absorbed by government medical colleges, district hospitals, and multi-specialty private facilities.

Public health experts, however, warned that the decline of neighbourhood clinics could affect primary care delivery, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where such facilities often serve as the first point of contact for patients. They stressed the need for targeted support to ensure the survival of small healthcare providers.

The state government said it is examining policy measures to ease regulatory pressures and provide financial or administrative support to smaller medical establishments, with the aim of preserving a balanced and accessible healthcare ecosystem across the state.

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