No Political Activities in Hospitals: Kerala Govt to Regulate Free Food Distribution

The Kerala government has decided to prohibit political activities inside government hospitals , including the distribution of free food under party banners or political identities, saying healthcare institutions must remain neutral and function under the authority of the Health Department.

Health Minister K. Muraleedharan on Sunday said the government would establish community kitchens in government hospitals across the state to streamline the distribution of free meals for patients and their bystanders. The scheme will be launched first in Alappuzha before being expanded to other hospitals after consultations with voluntary organisations.

"The authority inside hospitals rests with the Health Department , not with any political organisation," Muraleedharan said. He clarified that organisations are free to distribute food outside hospital premises, but no political activity will be allowed within hospitals . The minister said food should not be distributed under party banners, flags or political identities , stressing that hospitals should remain spaces dedicated solely to patient care. Organisations willing to assist can instead contribute to the government-run community kitchens.

According to Muraleedharan, the decision is intended to maintain administrative control, ensure an orderly system of food distribution and prevent the politicisation of public healthcare institutions . The government believes a centralised community kitchen model will ensure fair access to meals while eliminating political branding within hospital campuses.

The move follows criticism by CPI(M) veteran and Ambalapuzha MLA G. Sudhakaran , who objected to organisations displaying banners and flags while distributing food packets in government hospitals. However, Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) state president V. Vaseef said the organisation would continue its free food distribution programme until it receives an official directive to stop.

The policy marks a significant shift in regulating charitable activities inside government hospitals, with the state seeking to keep healthcare facilities free from political influence while ensuring uninterrupted welfare support for patients and their attendants .