Minister R Bindu dismisses claims of cuts to Vayomitram scheme funding

Thiruvananthapuram: Minister R Bindu has dismissed as false the rumour that Vayomitram units have been restricted to supplying medicines worth only three and a half lakh rupees. She said the fabrication was being circulated to distract from the anti -people decisions taken by previous UDF cabinets, including the one led by Oommen Chandy, in the Social Justice Department.

She explained that 27.50 crore rupees had been allocated for various expenses under the Vayomitram scheme for both the 2024–25 financial year and the current year, with the sanction issued through a government order. The funding covers salaries for more than 300 staff, including medical officers, staff nurses and JPHNs, as well as costs for palliative care and other doorstep services.

Local bodies have also contributed roughly 11 crore rupees in 2024–25. Through the Medical Services Corporation, 7.80 crore rupees was sanctioned for the purchase of medicines in 2024–25, and 7.77 crore rupees for 2025–26.

Given these facts, the minister said the government will examine how the Executive Director came to issue an order that contradicts the approved allocations. She added that strict action will be taken against any officials found responsible for the error, and that the Special Secretary of the Social Justice Department has already been asked to submit a report.