Kerala Health and Social Welfare Minister K.K.Shylaja said on Monday that government hospitals will see the introduction of the family doctor. To this end, primary health centres are to be upgraded to family health centres.

She said that the new system would ensure the presence of a doctor with first-hand information about a family’s health. For any ailment of a family member, it will be the family doctor who will be approached first. The doctor will make further referrals if required. The Minister also said that this would help reduce crowding in many hospitals.

The system will be introduced in a phased manner in the Malappuram district owing to the shortage of doctors.

Image credits: The Hindu Businessline
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