Universal Health Coverage for All in the State; Free Treatment for Those Without Insurance

Thiruvananthapuram: The Health Minister of Kerala, Veena George, announced that an order has been issued granting approval for the implementation of universal health coverage in the state. The scheme has been introduced to ensure health coverage for the missing middle category, which is not covered by existing programs such as KASP, the Karunya Benevolent Fund, Medisep, and other insurance schemes. The approval for this health coverage initiative is based on various discussions and examinations that have been carried out over the past year, following the directions of the Chief Minister. This was also discussed in the Vision 2031 review meetings.

Currently, the KASP scheme provides annual medical coverage of Rs 5 lakh to families included in the program. Around 42 lakh families hold the KASP card. Additionally, families with an annual income of less than Rs 3 lakh, who are not part of the KASP scheme, are provided with medical coverage of Rs 2 lakh through the Karunya Benevolent Fund scheme, and up to Rs 1 lakh additional benefits for kidney-related ailments. The State Health Agency has been entrusted with further actions on this matter.

Kerala is the state providing the highest amount of free treatment in the country. In the past five years, the state has provided free medical treatment worth Rs 8,425 crore. This new scheme will provide relief to lakhs of families who are not part of any existing health insurance program.