State Health Systems Resource Centre Kerala - SHSRC K

07/11/2025

06/11/2025

Following the interest shown by the District Medical Officer (Health) and team of Wayanad district, to make all health institutions in Wayanad Q***r Inclusive, the State Health Systems Resource Centre–Kerala (SHSRC-K), in collaboration with the Mariwala Health Initiative (MHI), Mumbai, and with the support of the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Kerala, and the National Health Mission (NHM), Kerala, conducted two sensitisation meetings on Q***r Inclusiveness of Health Systems on the 15th and 17th October 2025. A total of 55 healthcare staff from across Wayanad district participated in these sessions. The sensitisation trainings were led by Dr. V. Jithesh, Executive Director, SHSRC-K.

From among the sensitised participants, a pool of healthcare staff was selected for further capacity building to serve as trainers in creating a q***r-inclusive health system. A Training of Trainers session was subsequently organised for this selected group, along with district-level officials, at Kumbalangi, Ernakulam from 31st October to 2nd November 2025.
The Training of Trainers Programme was inaugurated by Dr. Ashadevi, DMO(H), Ernakulam in a function presided over by Dr. Dineesh P, Deputy DMO, Wayanad, Dr. V. Jithesh, Executive Director, SHSRC-K, welcomed the participants and shared insights on SHSRC-K’s ongoing efforts and vision toward building a q***r-inclusive health system in Kerala. Dr. Shruthi Chakravarthi, Chief Advisor, Mariwala Health Initiative, also addressed the gathering and appreciated the strong collaboration with SHSRC-K.
During the workshop, the trainers engaged participants in discussions on group dynamics and strategies for managing different behavioural types of participants. They also focused on developing facilitation skills essential for conducting effective sensitisation workshops, with special emphasis on transgender awareness and inclusive communication. The sessions also covered unique life stressors experienced by the q***r community. Additionally, group debates were conducted to deepen understanding of q***r community issues, along with interactive activities that helped participants learn how to handle and respond effectively to difficult questions during training.
The interactive sessions were led by Dr. Shruthi Chakravarthi and Pooja Nair from MHI, explored key concepts, challenges faced by q***r communities, and approaches for inclusive healthcare delivery. Transgender Community Link Workers Ashrin and Faisal Faisu from Ernakulam enriched the sessions by sharing their lived experiences.
The training concluded with participants presenting mock training sessions, reflecting their learning, confidence, and commitment to advancing inclusivity within the public health system. Feedback was collected from the participants to further strengthen future training initiatives.

The broader aim of the initiative is to sensitise all healthcare staff in Wayanad district in batches, led by the trained trainers, and to declare Wayanad as the first district with a Q***r Inclusive Health System in Kerala by February 2026. The model will subsequently be scaled up to other districts across the state. SHSRC-K continues to lead initiatives that strengthen Kerala’s health systems through collaboration, inclusion, and community engagement
Dr. Dineesh P. (Deputy DMO), Dr. Priya Senan (District TB Officer), Dr. Sushama P. S. (District Ardram Nodal Officer) and Dr. Deepa K. R. (District NCD Nodal Officer) led the contingent of potential trainers including Deputy District Education and Media Officers, Nursing officers, and field-level staff, including Junior Health Inspectors (JHIs) and Junior Public Health Nurses (JPHNs).

***rinclusiveness

29/10/2025

A workshop on Strategic Planning for Implementation Research – CONVERTECH HWCs was conducted at the District Training Centre, Thariyod, Wayanad, on 22 October 2025. CONVERTECH HWCs is an implementation research project of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), implemented by the State Health Systems Resource Centre–Kerala (SHSRC-K) in Wayanad district.

The workshop focused on developing strategies to enhance the quality of services delivered through Janakeeya Arogya Kendrams. The strategies presented were the outcomes of various discussions with medical officers and HWC staff, along with field-level observations and experiences of Project Technical Assistants (PTAs). Each PTA presented strategies for specific service packages, followed by interactive discussions.

The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Sruthi O and Dr. Anshad V. K., Consultants in CONVERTECH HWCs of SHSRC-Kerala

28/10/2025

World Stroke Day 2025:

Bringing Stroke Advocacy and Awareness Together to Drive Action

Strokes are one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, and their numbers are still rising. From 1990 to 2021, new stroke cases increased by 70%, deaths went up by 44%. This shows how important it is to raise awareness and focus on prevention.
Every year on October 29, the world comes together to observe World Stroke Day, a global initiative that spreads awareness about stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery. The 2025 theme, “Bringing Stroke Advocacy and Awareness Together to Drive Action,” calls on communities, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to work together to reduce stroke risk and improve recovery outcomes. Recognising a stroke early can save lives - remember the FAST signs: F - Facial drooping, A - Arm weakness, S - Speech difficulty, T - Time to call emergency services immediately.
Recognising the factors that increase your stroke risk helps you make positive changes for prevention. Some risks can’t be changed - like age, gender, family history, or a previous stroke - but many can. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, obesity, stress, and excessive alcohol consumption are all preventable risk factors. You can lower your risk by eating a balanced diet, staying active, getting regular health checks, avoiding to***co and alcohol, and managing stress and sleep. By spreading awareness, recognising the signs early, and focusing on prevention, we can save lives, reduce brain damage, and help survivors recover better.
Act FAST - every second counts

24/10/2025

International Day for Climate Action – October 24

The International Day for Climate Action, observed every year on October 24 since 2009, serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address climate change. The day aims to raise awareness and inspire collective action to safeguard our planet’s future.
Climate Action includes all efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen our ability to adapt to climate impacts. It is about preserving the planet’s natural beauty, protecting communities, and ensuring a healthier, sustainable future for all.
This day calls upon governments, businesses, and individuals alike to take concrete steps—big and small—towards building a climate-resilient world. The message is clear: when we act together with commitment, we can turn the tide and create a better planet for generations to come.

Climate Action in Kerala
1. Kerala State Action Plan on Climate Change (KSAPCC) - Roadmap for climate resilience in water, agriculture, fisheries, coastal zones, and health.
2. Kerala State Climate Change Adaptation Mission (KSC-CAM) - Implements climate adaptation projects statewide; Strengthens community resilience to climate impacts; and collaborates with departments, panchayats, and research institutions for sustainable solutions.
3. Department of Environment and Climate Change (DoECC) - Coordinates state-level initiatives, policies, and awareness campaigns.
4. Suchitwa Mission & Haritha Kerala Mission - Promote waste management, afforestation, and environmental cleanliness.

16/10/2025

World Trauma Day, observed annually on October 17, raises awareness about trauma from accidents and injuries and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. The day emphasises prevention, preparedness, and timely emergency response. Globally, communities organise workshops, safety campaigns, and training programmes to strengthen trauma care and reduce injury-related deaths.
Why It Matters
In India, trauma from preventable accidents and injuries is a leading cause of death and disability, especially among young adults. According to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), 1,68,491 deaths occurred in 2022 due to road accidents. Trauma from burns, falls, drowning, workplace injuries, assaults, and disaster-related injuries also contributes to the country’s significant burden of mortality, long-term disability, and economic loss.
In Kerala, the state recorded 48,800 road accidents which resulted in 3,714 deaths, and 54,700 injuries in 2024 (Kerala MVD). Beyond RTAs, domestic burns, occupational injuries, and falls among the elderly are major concerns. These incidents often lead to high treatment costs, loss of income, and social stress, highlighting the need for preventive action and robust trauma care systems.
What Do We Do
● Prevention First: Follow road safety rules, use protective gear, and ensure home and workplace safety.

● Rapid Response: Learn first aid and basic life support (BLS); call 108 emergency helpline immediately. The first hour, the “Golden Hour”, is critical for saving lives.

● Organisational Role: Ensure safe roads, proper signage, pedestrian walkways, and trauma care facilities, alongside regular awareness campaigns.

14/10/2025

09/10/2025

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY – OCTOBER 10, 2025

"Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies"

World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October, initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) in 1992 and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the day highlights the importance of mental health as an integral part of overall health.
Globally, about 1 in 7 people (or over 1 billion) live with a mental health disorder noting that conditions like anxiety and depression are widespread across all ages and populations.
The 2025 theme, set by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), is “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” This year’s theme highlights the urgent need to address the psychological and emotional needs of people affected by humanitarian crises. Disasters, conflicts, and health emergencies often lead to significant distress, with nearly one in five individuals developing a mental health condition. Experiencing fear, anxiety or sadness in such circumstances is a normal reaction to very stressful events. Beyond food, water, and medicine, survivors also need mental health and psychosocial support. Providing timely support in such situations is life-saving — it helps people cope, recover, and rebuild both personally and as part of their communities. To achieve this, collaboration is vital: governments, healthcare workers, educators, and community organizations must unite to ensure vulnerable groups receive the care they need while safeguarding collective well-being. Investing in evidence-based, community-centered approaches not only addresses immediate challenges but also strengthens resilience and fosters long-term recovery.
On this World Mental Health Day, let us commit to building a future where mental health is recognized, prioritized, and accessible to all, especially in times of crisis.

08/10/2025

ഹൃദയാരോഗ്യം വളരെ പ്രധാനം.

06/10/2025

The State Health Systems Resource Centre, Kerala successfully organized the second batch of the Foundation Course in Palliative Care for healthcare professionals from Himachal Pradesh, held from 19th to 30th September.
The 10-day workshop combined in-depth theory sessions with field visits, providing participants with hands-on training in patient care across outpatient, inpatient, and home care settings.
This visionary initiative is part of a larger effort to implement the renowned Kerala model of palliative care across all legislative constituencies in Himachal Pradesh. The program was launched following a request by the state’s Health Minister, Health Secretary, and NHM Mission Director during their earlier visit to Kerala. Its aim is to train 140 professionals—one doctor and one nurse from each constituency—to strengthen palliative care delivery in the state.
The first phase of training was completed last month, and similar workshops will continue as part of this ongoing program.
The second phase featured engaging sessions led by eminent faculty, including Dr. Mathews Numpeli, Dr. Bipin Gopal, Dr. Anjana S. P., Monisha U. M., Archana B. H., Dr. Sudha P., Dr. Prasanth C. V., Dr. Ajayan, Dr. Baburaj Chakrapani, Dr. Athul Joseph Manuel, Dr. Vijayanand IAS (Retd), Dr. Preethi C. J., and Mr. Sijo Vijayan.