THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister Veena George revealed in a press conference that the Center has held back Rs 826.02 crore meant for the state due to disagreements over renaming health institutions. The allocation, following a 60:40 ratio for NHM projects has been stalled. The primary demand was to alter the logos of health institutions, a task completed by 99 percent of the 6825 establishments. However, a new proposal to rename primary health centers to 'Ayushman Arogyamandir' faced resistance from Kerala citing cultural concerns.

The state communicated its difficulty in implementing the name change and requested reconsideration from the Union Health Ministry. As a consequence of non-compliance, funds have been withheld severely impacting the health sector and placing vulnerable patients in crisis.

The withheld amount includes Rs 371.20 crore earmarked as a cash grant for health institutions which was to be disbursed in four installments. However, three installments totalling Rs 278.4 crore are pending exacerbating the financial strain on health facilities.

The situation has also led to a crisis in dialysis services particularly home dialysis (peritoneal dialysis) for around 800 patients. Additionally, essential services like incentives for Asha workers, free check-ups, treatments, salaries of NHM-appointed doctors, biomedical management and the Kaniv 108 ambulance service are suffering due to a lack of central funds.