Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has witnessed the closure of 1,306 clinics and 444 small hospitals over the past five years, even as the overall number of private hospitals in the state has significantly increased. According to data released by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the total number of private hospitals rose from 3,677 in 2021 to 5,402 in 2026.
The contrasting trend highlights a structural shift in the healthcare sector, where smaller clinics and standalone hospitals are gradually shutting down while larger, multi-specialty private hospitals expand their footprint. Industry experts point to rising operational costs, compliance requirements, staff shortages, and increased competition from corporate healthcare chains as major reasons behind the closures.
Healthcare observers note that many small and mid-sized facilities have struggled to keep pace with technological upgrades and regulatory standards, making it difficult to sustain operations. At the same time, patient preference has increasingly shifted toward well-equipped hospitals offering advanced diagnostics and specialty services under one roof.
The data signals a transformation in Kerala’s healthcare landscape, raising concerns about accessibility in rural and semi-urban areas where smaller clinics traditionally played a vital role in primary care delivery.
