SHSRC-Kerala conducted a two-day workshop to develop Kerala-specific guidelines for expanding healthcare services at Janakeeya Arogya Kendrams (JAK). The workshop focused on 12 key service areas, ranging from maternal care to mental health, along with the broader concept of health and wellness. As part of the workshop, 12 thematic groups were formed to facilitate focused discussions on each service area. Participants and SHSRC-Kerala team members actively engaged in these group discussions.

Following the discussions, SHSRC-Kerala team members compiled the key findings from each of the 12 groups. Based on the presentations and insights shared during the workshop, the SHSRC-Kerala team developed a draft action plan outlining recommendation for strengthening services at JAKs. This draft proposal was subsequently prepared and submitted to the Directorate of Health Services. The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Reena K.J , Director of Health Services, who stressed on the need to improve peoples participation and increased focus on wellness activities in the functioning of JAKs. . Dr. Vinay Goyal IAS, State Mission Director, National Health Mission gave the Keynote address. He discussed the background of the workshop and the need to adapt the national guidelines to the Kerala context. Dr. V Meenakshi Deputy Director of Health Services (FW) offered felicitations.

Led by Dr. Abey Sushan , State Urban Health Manager & State Nodal Officer - HWC, NHM and Dr. V Jithesh Executive Director of SHSRC-Kerala the workshop focused on 12 key service areas (from maternal care to mental health) and the overall concept of health and wellness. Expert groups, including doctors and health officers, drafted actionable guidelines to enhance service delivery. The guidelines when finalised is expected to be a major step toward strengthening Kerala’s primary healthcare system through renewed focus on Janakeeya Arogya Kendrams.