Kerala to provide free treatment for people without insurance; Minister Veena George makes announcement

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George has announced that the government has issued an order granting in-principle approval to implement universal health coverage in Kerala. The minister said that the new initiative aims to ensure healthcare protection for the "missing middle" section, who are not covered under existing schemes such as KASP, the Karunya Benevolent Fund, MEDISEP, or other insurance programmes.

"The government approved the Health for All initiative after nearly a year of discussions and evaluations conducted at various levels, based on directions from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The proposal was also discussed during the Vision 2031 review meetings," the minister said.

Currently, families covered under the KASP scheme receive medical coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year. About 42 lakh families in the state hold KASP cards. In addition, families not included in KASP but with an annual income below Rs 3 lakh receive assistance under the Karunya Benevolent Fund, which provides treatment support of up to Rs 2 lakh, along with an additional Rs 1 lakh for kidney-related diseases.

The government has also directed the State Health Agency to take further steps to implement the new plan. Kerala currently provides the highest amount of free medical treatment in India. Over the past five years, the state has delivered free treatment worth Rs 8,425 crore. The new universal health coverage initiative is expected to bring relief to lakhs of families who are not part of any existing medical scheme.