T’puram: State human rights commission (SHRC) chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas has directed the state govt to appoint public health expert Dr S S Lal as a special rapporteur-cum-special monitor to study serious issues confronting the public health sector and recommend measures to address them.The commission expressed the hope that Dr Lal, who has worked as a consultant with World Health Organization and has international recognition in the field, would be able to undertake a comprehensive study of the various challenges faced by Keralam’s healthcare sector and submit expert recommendations.The action was initiated in a suo motu case registered by the commission against the backdrop of serious concerns in the health sector, including inadequate infrastructure.Justice Thomas observed in the order that with global healthcare companies investing heavily in Keralam’s private healthcare sector, the time may not be far when not only economically weaker sections but also sections of the middle class will increasingly depend on the govt health system. He noted that a situation could arise where patients without insurance may find it difficult to access treatment at private healthcare facilities.The order also noted media reports indicating that global institutions have invested around $1 billion in Keralam’s private healthcare sector.Dr Lal has been directed to hold discussions with various state-level agencies and officials and conduct an in-depth study of the issues. He has been asked to submit an interim report to the commission within two months, containing his observations, assessments and recommendations.Dr Lal may seek the assistance of Dr Altaf, professor in the department of community medicine at Thiruvananthapuram medical college. The director of National Health Mission has also been directed to provide another expert based on Dr Lal’s recommendation.Govt has been asked to provide the facilities required for the functioning of the special monitor. Dr Lal should also consider the suggestions of health experts Dr Ramankutty, Dr B Iqbal and Dr M I Junaid Rahman.Justice Thomas said that quality healthcare is a constitutional right and that efforts should focus on developing a new Keralam model in the health sector.
