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The Indian National League (INL) has alleged that the United Democratic Front (UDF) government’s formation of a health task force to tackle lifestyle diseases is part of a conspiracy to hand over Keralam’s public health sector to large corporate groups and private commercial interests.
In a statement issued here on Saturday (October 24, 2026), INL State president Ahammed Devarkovil and general secretary Kasim Irikkur said the task force had been formed without adequate public discussion or consultation and was part of a deliberate attempt to undermine the State’s public healthcare system.
Questioning the composition of the task force, the leaders alleged that it included an industry group leader, heads of Ayurveda resorts, and pharmaceutical companies instead of experts with a sound understanding of the State’s public health system.
They also questioned the inclusion of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Deepak Singhal in the task force, alleging that he had faced corruption and money laundering allegations.
The INL said the move was aimed at saffronising and commercialising the health sector, framing policies in line with the BJP’s agenda and weakening public healthcare to create opportunities for large corporate groups.
The leaders also criticised Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, alleging that he and his colleagues were seeking to place Keralam’s healthcare and education sectors at the disposal of corporate interests for financial gain.
They accused Health Minister K. Muraleedharan of lacking an independent position on healthcare policy.
Published - October 24, 2026 06:57 pm IST