THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In today's budget, Finance Minister KN Balagopal announced the allocation of Rs 678.54 crore for the next fiscal year to operate the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Scheme. Hospitals that are members of the Karunya scheme have to receive huge amounts as arrears. With a severe financial crisis looming over the state, the private hospital sector is expecting a lot from the minister's announcement.

Rs 9.88 crore has been set aside for the provision of amenities, such as necessary medicines, and the establishment of new dialysis units at major hospitals in the state. Rs 465.20 crore has also been earmarked as a state share for the National Health Mission scheme.

27.60 crores for eHealth

• Rs 12 crores for controlling the epidemic
• Rs 11.93 crores for controlling non-communicable diseases
• Rs 10 crore to improve infrastructure in tribal areas and coastal areas and start de-addiction centres
• Rs 80 crores for the operation of KANIV 108 ambulances
• Rs 3.10 crore for 'School Health and Wellness Programme' in schools
• Rs 25 crores as the state's share of PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission Scheme
• Rs 27.60 crores for the eHealth project
• Rs 22.79 crore for development of 6 dental colleges
• Rs 13.78 crores for nursing colleges
• Rs 13 crore for waste management project in medical college hospitals
• Rs 11.50 crores for Kerala Health University
• Rs 21.08 crores for empowerment and modernization of institutions under the Indian Medical Department-

Insurance for anganwadis
A new insurance scheme for Anganwadi employees with a coverage of Rs 2 lakh was announced in the budget. Rs 1.20 crore has been earmarked for this for the year 2024-25.

• Rs 17.60 crores for Women Development Corporation
• Rs 5.20 crores for Women's Commission
• Rs 2.40 crores for Child Rights Commission.