India, July 19 -- Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan said the state government will not permit any political activities inside government hospitals, reaffirming that the distribution of free food to patients and attendants will be carried out only through government-supported community kitchens.

The minister said the Health Department alone has the authority to regulate activities within hospital premises and political organisations cannot distribute food under party banners or flags inside government hospitals.

"The authority inside hospitals rests with the Health Department, not with any political organisation. They can distribute food outside the hospital premises if they want, but inside, the government has the responsibility," ...