The Hindu Business Line : Kerala to give accreditation to select pvt hospitals

The objective is to ensure certain standards in service and treatment in hospitals that admit foreigners, Mr Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Tourism Minister of Kerala, said here on Friday.

Accreditation guidelines

He said a committee with representatives from Health and Tourism Departments would prepare guidelines for issuing accreditations. The names of accredited hospitals would be included in the promotional campaigns of the Department.

The Minister told reporters in Mumbai on Friday that the Government is studying the possibility of starting a helicopter service exclusively for tourists. "We have offers from a couple of airline operators," he said. A suitable location for a large helipad has to be identified first, he said.

He said the State Government also proposes to set up an international hospitality management institute. The project, estimated to cost Rs 40 crore, will be in the private sector, with Government providing land free of cost. The project may also get Rs 10 crore assistance from the Union Government, he said.

The objective is to develop the institute in true global standards. It will have the best talents in the industry as part of its faculty, he said.

Various incentives

The Minister said he expects an investment of Rs 1,000 core in hospitality industry in the State in the current year. The State is offering various incentives to projects in tourism sector including single-window clearance for any project with an investment of up to Rs 5 crore in the sector.

The Minister said the LDF government would be giving a new thrust to the tourism development in the State. "We want to promote responsible tourism that ensures preservation of our culture, heritage and environment," he said.