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In this edition of E-Xplained, @shailajateacher speaks to @abantika77 and @MathewLiz on the Kerala government's success model against diseases and what we can learn.

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Since 1957, #Kerala has had a very good health system. In many indices, we are at the forefront. We are working hard to improve the system and educate people to prevent diseases, says Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja.

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How far has the Panchayati Raj system helped Kerala?

In Kerala, we have implemented a democratic system at the local level. Our primary health centres are under the local panchayats, state Health Minister @shailajateacher tells @abantika77 and @MathewLiz.

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Planning & preparedness is most important. With good infrastructure and professionals, we were able to organise the system according to our strategy. When we heard of #COVID19 in Wuhan, we anticipated it would come to Kerala and started planning by January, says @shailajateacher

Kerala had its first #COVID19 cases as early as January. When we tested samples of first three patients, all of them were in isolation wards in hospitals. This was our success as no transmission of the virus had occurred. This yielded a very good result, @shailajateacher says.

Is #Kerala on the brink of community transmission?

There is currently no community transmission. We are eagerly examining all cases, and identifying from where each patient contracted the virus, Kerala Health Minister @shailajateacher says.

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How important is testing?

Testing is the most important but we are not following the 'testing, testing, testing' logic. Testing everyone is not necessary; that will exhaust resources. Our strategy is testing high-risk and secondary contacts, @shailajateacher says.

Has social stigma been an issue in Kerala?

Kerala is a literate society, but yet, there is some stigma. People are afraid of #COVID19 and want to isolate everyone suspected of having the disease. We are trying to teach residents, @shailajateacher tells @abantika77 and @MathewLiz

How do you see #COVID19 panning out at a national level?

The virus load in India is concentrated in a few big cities. If we lockdown these places properly, we can save other areas. This can stop the spread of the virus. However, this is difficult, says @shailajateacher

Is it time to bring in a law for 'right to health'?

We need to invest more money into the healthcare system. In India, we invest only 1% of GDP into healthcare. We need to improve the public health system to make it accessible to all, says @shailajateacher

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@shailajateacher Are you frustrated there are no solution from vaccines and drugs?

Everyone is anxious. We are eagerly waiting for a vaccination. But, we have to wait for the completion of tests, says @shailajateacher

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Experts say the worst is not over; June, July will see a spike in cases. Is Kerala prepared?

This could be the case. We can't predict it, but we can expect it. Kerala should be ready to tackle it. We are teaching people to live with the virus, change behaviours: @shailajateacher

13% of Kerala's population is elderly. Were special measures taken to protect senior citizens?

Life expectancy in Kerala is 74-76 years. We have implemented a reverse quarantine system where the elderly can't move outside. We are constantly monitoring them, says @shailajateacher

@shailajateacher KK Shailaja, Kerala Health Minister, signs off saying, "It is not the time to rest. We are trying our best to flatten the curve. Kerala can't stay a water-tight compartment. We have to solve the problem across the country. I hope India wins against the virus."

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@shailajateacher Thank you for joining our E-Xplained webinar with Kerala Health Minister @shailajateacher in conversation with @abantika77 and @MathewLiz.

In case you missed it, we will soon share a link where you can watch it.

Stay safe!

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