KOCHI: Kerala has recorded the highest hospitalisation rate among all states in the country in 2025, according to the National Statistics Office’s Household Social Consumption Survey on Health. At 186 per 1,000 people, the 60+ age group witnessed the highest hospitalisation rate in Kerala, compared to the national average of 81.
Overall, when union territories are included, Lakshadweep ranked first with 226 hospitalisations per 1,000 people in the above 60 category.
Besides the 60+ group, Kerala topped the chart in hospitalisations across all age groups among states, with the second position varying.
In the 45–59 age group, Kerala reported 103 hospitalisations per 1,000 people, followed by Tripura at 70, against a national average of 41. Among children aged below four, Kerala registered 128 hospitalisations per 1,000 people, significantly higher than the national average of 34. Same is the case in the 5-14 age group, with 53 hospitalisations per 1,000 in the year, against national average of 11.
Experts attribute the trend to a combination of demographic and systemic factors.
“These numbers do not necessarily mean we have an unhealthy population here,” said Dr Purushothaman Kuzhikkathukandiyil, public health expert. “Compared to other states, Kerala’s healthcare infrastructure — both in the government and private sectors — is better, helping provide improved care and treatment. The availability and accessibility of hospitals across the state is another reason,” said Dr Purushothaman.
Kerala’s ageing population has also contributed to the higher hospitalisation rate.
Accessibility to hospitals a key factor
“As age increases, the number of people suffering from heart diseases, diabetes and other conditions also increases,” said Dr V Ramankutty, health economist and epidemiologist. “Since we have more accessibility to healthcare institutions compared to other states, the number of hospitalisation cases also increases. With better awareness and education, a significant portion of the population seeks medical help,” he said.
Pointing to broader trends, Dr Althaf Ali, epidemiologist and professor at Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital, said the pattern is visible across age groups. “The numbers are high in all age groups, indicating that an ageing population is not the only factor. Prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases can help reduce the number. The number of people identified with conditions like hypertension and diabetes is also on the rise,” he said.
“People are more conscious about health, leading to more outpatient and inpatient cases. The availability of insurance schemes with certain conditions can also contribute to these numbers,” Dr Purushothaman added.