Sustainable development

Rank 5 | Score 80

1. Introduction

A healthy society is vital for sustainable development. SDG 3 aims to "ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages." SDG 3 has 13 targets and 28 indicators to measure progress. Outcome targets include reducing maternal mortality; ending all preventable deaths of children under 5; combating communicable diseases; reducing mortality from non-communicable diseases and promoting mental health; preventing and treating substance abuse; reducing road accidents and deaths; ensuring sexual and reproductive care, family planning, and education; achieving universal health coverage; and reducing illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and pollution. Means of implementation include enacting the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control; supporting research and development and universal access to affordable vaccines and medicines; increasing health financing and supporting health workers in developing countries; and improving early warning systems for global health risks.

Driven by a robust public health infrastructure, progressive policies, and community-driven healthcare models, Kerala has emerged as a role model in healthcare. The state has consistently improved key health indicators, including maternal and child health, disease control, and healthcare accessibility, demonstrating its commitment to inclusive and equitable healthcare. However, existing challenges like high suicide rates, road traffic fatalities, and the financial burden of out-of-pocket health expenditures underscore the need for continued policy innovation and strengthened health governance. By integrating preventive healthcare, mental health support, and digital health interventions, Kerala is poised to set a global benchmark in achieving universal health coverage and holistic well-being.

2. Key Indicators and Kerala's Progress

Table 1: SDG 3 Performance — Kerala vs. India 

Table 2: Niti Aayog's SDG Ranking- Kerala's Composite Score & Rank

Key Strengths

• Child Health: Kerala's remarkably low under-five mortality rate of 8 per 1,000 live births, significantly below the national SDG target of 25, reflects the effectiveness of the state's health initiatives.
• Maternal Health: Kerala's maternal mortality ratio of 30, way ahead of the national SDG target of 70, highlights the state's remarkable success in improving maternal health.
• Medical Workforce: Kerala's health worker density of 144.03 per 10,000 population exceeds the national target of 44.5, underscoring the state's robust healthcare system.
• Health Outcomes: The state demonstrated strong performance in critical health indicators, including TB case notifications, HIV incidence, life expectancy, and institutional deliveries, all aligned with national targets.

3. Kerala's Initiatives for Achieving SDG 3

Kerala has made significant progress in achieving SDG 3 through targeted health interventions that ensure universal healthcare, reduce disease burden, and improve maternal and child health. With a strong focus on innovation, early detection, and community-driven initiatives, the state continues to strengthen its public health system.

• Aardram Mission: Kerala's Comprehensive Healthcare Reform
  • A strategic initiative by the Government of Kerala to enhance the efficiency, accessibility, and quality of public healthcare.
  • Optimizes outpatient services, ensuring a more patient-centric and efficient healthcare experience.
  • Transforms Primary Health Centres (PHCs) into Family Health Centres (FHCs) to strengthen primary care infrastructure.
  • Ensures equitable healthcare access for marginalized and vulnerable populations across Kerala.
  • Standardizes healthcare services from primary to tertiary levels, ensuring uniformity and excellence in medical care.
• eHealth Kerala: Transforming Digital Healthcare
  • A pioneering initiative by the Government of India and the Government of Kerala to establish a centralized and technology-driven healthcare system.
  • Integrates Aadhaar-based unique identification, ensuring unified and seamless health records for every resident.
  • Enhances healthcare accessibility and affordability, creating a healthier, more resilient society.
  • Strengthens state intervention and regulation, preventing unethical medical practices and promoting public well-being.
  • Supports elderly and vulnerable populations while fostering a pollution-free, health-conscious environment across Kerala.
• Ensuring Child Health: Thalolam
  • Provides free medical care for children below 18 years suffering from critical illnesses.
  • Supports treatment for conditions such as Kidney diseases, Cardiovascular diseases, Cerebral Palsy, Brittle Bone Disease, Hemophilia, Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anaemia, Orthopaedic deformities, Neuro-developmental disabilities, Congenital anomalies (Endosulfan victims), and accident-related surgeries.
  • Aims to ensure healthcare access for children from economically weaker sections.
• Eliminating Tuberculosis: Kerala TB Elimination Mission
  • Aims to eliminate tuberculosis by 2025, achieving zero preventable deaths and financial burden for affected families.
  • Developed through consultative workshops with national and international experts in collaboration with the Government of India and WHO.
  • Designed as a people's movement under the leadership of local self-governments.
• Combating Congenital Heart Disease: Hridyam
  • Focuses on identifying congenital heart disease (CHD) cases at the earliest stage.
  • Ensures pre-surgical care, surgery, and post-surgical care for affected children.
  • Registers high-risk mothers with confirmed fetal cardiac issues for close monitoring and safe delivery at tertiary care centers.

4. Future Programs and the Way Forward for Kerala

To achieve comprehensive and sustainable healthcare, Kerala must strengthen infrastructure, disease prevention, mental health services, maternal care, and financial protection. Upgrading primary health centers, expanding digital health systems, and enhancing real-time data monitoring will improve healthcare accessibility and policy effectiveness.

A targeted disease control strategy focusing on immunization, improved Health Management Information System (HMIS) reporting, tuberculosis control, and awareness of non-communicable diseases is essential. Expanding mental health services with trained counselors, suicide prevention programs, and accessible helplines will further enhance overall well-being.

Addressing road safety and emergency response requires stronger coordination between the Police, Transport, and Health Departments, along with improved trauma care systems and emergency medical networks. Ensuring 100% institutional deliveries, strengthening maternal care, and expanding postnatal healthcare services will be critical in safeguarding maternal and child health.

To enhance financial protection, Kerala must advocate for policy adjustments in SDG indicators that account for its aging population and expand universal health insurance coverage for vulnerable groups. By adopting these multi-dimensional healthcare strategies, Kerala can establish a global benchmark in public health, ensuring sustainable and equitable healthcare for all.

Conclusion

Kerala's proactive healthcare policies and strong public health infrastructure have significantly contributed to reducing maternal and under-five mortality rates, while ensuring high health worker density and improved access to essential medical services. These achievements underscore the state's commitment to universal healthcare, setting a benchmark for inclusive and equitable health systems.

However, persistent challenges such as high suicide rates, road traffic fatalities, and the financial burden of healthcare costs require targeted interventions and strengthened policy frameworks. Expanding mental health services, enhancing emergency response systems, and improving financial risk protection will be critical to bridging existing gaps and achieving long-term health security.

As Kerala continues its journey toward universal well-being, its innovative healthcare strategies and community-driven health models serve as an exemplar for other regions. By sustaining investments in healthcare infrastructure, digital health, and preventive care, the state is well-positioned to lead the way in achieving SDG 3 and ensuring a healthier, more resilient future for all.