Cooperative healthcare conclave held in Kerala’s Kollam

Cooperative Healthcare Conclave 2026 organised by the Department of Cooperation on Thursday introduced comprehensive health-care projects and innovative ideas aimed at a total revitalisation of the sector. As part of the ambitious ‘Vision 2031’ initiative of the department, the conclave brought together sector representatives and experts on the NS Cooperative Hospital campus.

The event was officially inaugurated by M. Naushad, MLA, with hospital president P. Rajendran presiding over the function.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of a strategic blueprint by D. Sajith Babu, registrar of cooperative societies. During the ceremony, the department also honoured the NS hospital president and board of directors in recognition of the hospital being selected for the International Cooperative Alliance’s (ICA) Cooperative Global Excellence Award.

The technical sessions of the conclave focussed heavily on the topic ‘Cooperative Alternative.’ A.V. Jayakrishnan, neurosurgeon, pointed out that cooperative hospitals must evolve into interconnected networks to survive market pressures. He called for a robust cooperative model that works in tandem with various government schemes to provide a reliable alternative to corporate healthcare.

The role of primary-level institutions was also a major point of discussion, with C.V. Prasanth from the Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, highlighting how rural health cooperatives can be strengthened through small-scale public investments. Furthering this sentiment, B. Abdunassar, general manager of E.M.S. Cooperative Hospital, Perinthalmanna, called for a massive operational shift to protect common citizens from the rising costs of corporate medical facilities.

Health-care management specialist Ranjith R. Menon led discussions on sustainable funding models for cooperative health institutions.