Conclaves organised by Kerala Kaumudi are timely and essential: Minister Veena George

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister Veena George stated that the conclaves organised by Kerala Kaumudi on various sectors, as part of its 114th anniversary, are timely and essential. The Minister said this while inaugurating the Health and Tourism Conclave, which was organised by Kerala Kaumudi in collaboration with the Tourism Department at Hotel O By Tamara.

The Minister appreciated Kerala Kaumudi’s thorough approach to these conclaves. "Having grown up reading and learning from Kerala Kaumudi, I have a deep personal connection with the newspaper. There is immense potential for health tourism in Kerala, with many people from abroad coming to the state for Ayurvedic treatments as well as for modern medical services. It is in this context that the government introduced the concept of 'Health Hubs.' Health tourism will strengthen Kerala's social and economic sectors. Kerala’s public health indicators are among the best in the country. However, despite the rise in the number of cancer cases, many people in Kerala are reluctant to get diagnosed. Even healthcare professionals fear the diagnosis of cancer. Over 65,000 new cancer cases are reported each year in Kerala," the minister said.

"Early detection is crucial for effective treatment, which is why the government has launched a public campaign aimed at raising awareness. According to a report published recently in the Lancet, the international journal of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India ranks third globally in cancer cases, following the United States and China. In terms of cancer-related mortality, India ranks second, which is concerning as three out of five people in the country die of cancer. In China, one in two people dies from cancer. Everyone should participate in cancer detection camps to help reduce the impact of this disease," she said.

Former District Collector S. Srinivasan delivered the keynote address. He praised the charitable activities and free medical services provided by private hospitals in Kerala, calling them exemplary.

V.S. Rajesh, Associate Editor of Kerala Kaumudi, presided over the event. He emphasized that Kerala Kaumudi’s policy focuses on development, not controversy. General Managers Shiras Jalal and Ayyappadas A.J. presented a memento to the Minister on behalf of Kerala Kaumudi. Deputy Editor A.C. Reji gave the welcome address, and Chief Manager S. Vimal Kumar expressed gratitude. Several individuals who have made significant contributions to the health and tourism sectors were honored during the event.