Free treatment in Kerala is exemplary, says WHO representative

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: WHO Health Financing Lead Dr Grace Achugura on Thursday praised Kerala's free treatment as a model for the country. In her meeting with Minister Veena George and at the Anubhav Sadas national workshop organized by the State Health Agency, she noted that free treatment in the state is exemplary. She inquired about the possibilities of designing and implementing such schemes in middle-income countries. Dr Grace also said that the World Health Organization is aiming to conduct a study to see if the out-of-pocket medical expenses for patients are increasing. Health Department Principal Secretary Mohammed Hanish, State Health Agency Joint Director Dr Bijoy and Dr Jaydev Singh were also present.

During the last two years, treatment worth Rs 3200 crore has been provided through free treatment schemes, including the Karunya Arogya Suraksha scheme, in Kerala.