The Kavalam grama panchayat in Kuttanad has taken significant strides in enhancing its care and medical support infrastructure, particularly for bedridden patients and those requiring palliative services. The local body’s Family Health Centre is at the forefront of this initiative, focusing intensely on comprehensive palliative treatment.
Currently, the centre successfully provides home care services to approximately 130 patients every month. This crucial work is facilitated by a district panchayat project that supplies a dedicated palliative nurse and a vehicle for home visits. The program receives substantial financial backing, with an annual allocation of ₹5 lakh from the district panchayat and an additional ₹1 lakh from the block panchayat. Through this funding, vital equipment such as wheelchairs and diapers are distributed to needy patients completely free of charge.
State-of-the-Art Health Centre
In a bid to offer superior healthcare facilities to its residents, the Kavalam Primary Health Centre was recently upgraded to a Family Health Centre. This transformation has empowered the local government to execute health-related programs with greater efficiency and impact.
A modern new building, costing ₹56.5 lakh, now houses the Family Health Centre, equipped with advanced amenities. It boasts a three-part haematology analyser for precise blood count tests, a merilyzer for comprehensive blood sample analysis, and other essential diagnostic instruments. The facility also includes a well-organized OP counter, a fully functional laboratory, and a pharmacy. On average, the centre serves about 175 patients daily.
The dedicated staff at the centre includes one health inspector, two junior health inspectors, five junior public health nurses, and one public health nurse. The laboratory is capable of conducting tests for lifestyle diseases, urine analysis, and fever. Furthermore, a specialized outpatient clinic, held once a month, offers crucial mental health support, providing much-needed relief to many. Presently, 42 patients are receiving ongoing treatment through this invaluable service.