Fri Sep 12 15:43:09 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Aardra Keralam Awards Recognize Top Local Health Initiatives**

**Thiruvananthapuram, September 12, 2025 (The Hindu)** – The Aardra Keralam 2023-24 awards were announced today, celebrating the exceptional health sector initiatives undertaken by local self-government (LSG) bodies across Kerala. These awards recognize the significant impact of comprehensive health schemes, implemented in collaboration with the Health department, on improving public health outcomes.

During the 2023-24 period, LSGs implemented health schemes totaling ₹1,692.95 crore, demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing healthcare access and quality within their communities. The Aardra Keralam awards serve as an incentive for LSGs to further expand their health-focused programs and foster collaboration among various sectors and people’s representatives to achieve health project goals.

LSGs were evaluated on various criteria, including their health budget allocation, palliative care initiatives, Kayakalp score, utilization of health grants, immunization coverage, ward-level activities, and their efforts to address social determinants of health like water, sanitation, waste management, vector control, and the provision of physical infrastructure to promote healthy lifestyles.

At the state level, Vellinezhi grama panchayat (Palakkad), Palluruthi block panchayat (Ernakulam), Idukki district panchayat, Guruvayur municipality, and Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation received the top honors. District-level awards were also presented to winning LSGs in each district across the state.

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