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<JournalTitle>Indian Journal of Health Studies</JournalTitle>
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<Volume-Issue>Volume 8 Issues 2</Volume-Issue>
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<IssueTopic>Multidisciplinary</IssueTopic>
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<Season>July 2026</Season>
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<Year>2026</Year>
<Month>07</Month>
<Day>31</Day>
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<ArticleType>Health Studies</ArticleType>
<ArticleTitle>Decentralised Health Governance in Practice: Kerala Public Health Act (2023) As a Model for Pandemic Preparedness</ArticleTitle>
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<FirstName>Rajani</FirstName>
<LastName>Mol1</LastName>
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<Abstract>The Kerala Public Health Act 2023 is a transformative legislative policy that marked a paradigm shift in the state__ampersandsign#39;s public health governance framework. The act addresses evolving health challenges from pandemics, climate-induced hazards, and noncommunicable diseases with a right-based and decentralized framework. Against this backdrop, this study aims to analyze the Kerala Public Health Act 2023 and examine how regional health policies contribute to global health governance. Comparative assessments were employed to evaluate Kerala__ampersandsignrsquo;s model and public health act in relation to global health governance frameworks. While its scope is localized, its principles of pandemic preparedness, prevention, equity, and community participation resonate with international frameworks such as the International Health Regulations (IHR), Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-3). This visionary Act has the potential to inspire other regions, especially in developing countries, to strengthen their own health systems. The Act exemplifies localized efforts can drive progress toward achieving international health goals such as __ampersandsignldquo;Health for All.__ampersandsignrdquo; Kerala__ampersandsignrsquo;s proactive measures through the KPHA set a powerful example, demonstrating that even smaller states can effectively prepare for future pandemics. The Act makes it a potential blueprint for other regions, positioning Kerala as a role model for global health governance.</Abstract>
<AbstractLanguage>English</AbstractLanguage>
<Keywords>Kerala Public Health Act 2023, global health governance, health policy, decentralisation, Kerala and regional health policies</Keywords>
<URLs>
<Abstract>https://www.journalofhealthstudies.in/ubijournal-v1copy/journals/abstract.php?article_id=16321&title=Decentralised Health Governance in Practice: Kerala Public Health Act (2023) As a Model for Pandemic Preparedness</Abstract>
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<ReferencesarticleTitle>References</ReferencesarticleTitle>
<ReferencesfirstPage>16</ReferencesfirstPage>
<ReferenceslastPage>19</ReferenceslastPage>
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