THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: From now on, patients seeking treatment at medical colleges will have to pay for outpatient (OP) tickets. The decision was taken by the hospital development committee. At the same time, it has been announced that the OP tickets will remain free for those in the BPL (Below Poverty Line) category. The opposition has expressed disagreement with the hospital development committee's notification.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Veena George announced that an administrative nod has been given for NABARD financing of Rs 53 crore for the construction of new buildings in two health institutions in the state. Kozhikode Government Mental Health Center has been allocated Rs 28 crore in the first phase, while Kannur Pinarayi Specialty Hospital has been allocated Rs 25 crore in the second phase. The minister stated that the construction works will commence soon by following the procedures.