Health Board Cracks Down: Mandatory Blood Pressure Checks Introduced Across Government Hospitals in Kerala

Kasaragod: In a move aimed at improving patient care, the Kerala Health Department has issued a directive mandating doctors at government hospitals to conduct blood pressure checks for all patients seeking treatment. The decision comes in light of complaints that medical staff had been neglecting this basic test during patient evaluations.

Hospital authorities across the state have been instructed to ensure that the necessary checks are carried out, including recording vital signs such as temperature, pulse rate, and respiratory rate. These measurements are crucial for proper diagnosis and prevent potential health complications.

In the past, doctors would typically ask patients about their symptoms only after performing these preliminary tests. However, this approach seems to have been abandoned, prompting complaints from patients who felt that they were not being thoroughly evaluated.

The new directive aims to standardize medical care processes across government hospitals in Kerala and mitigate risks associated with untreated or undiagnosed health issues. By making blood pressure checks a mandatory requirement, the Health Department hopes to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care.