Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has approved the implementation of a Universal Health Coverage initiative aimed at ensuring health protection for all sections of society.
Scheme to Cover Uninsured Families
Health Minister Veena George announced this decision. The new programme, titled ‘Health Protection for All,’ has been designed to extend medical coverage to people who are not included in existing treatment assistance programmes or are currently outside major government health insurance programmes such as Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP), Karunya Benevolent Fund, and MEDISEP.
The initiative is expected to benefit lakhs of families who do not receive financial assistance for medical treatment under any existing scheme. The proposal was developed after nearly a year of discussions and studies conducted at multiple levels of the health department.
Expansion of Health Assistance
Highlighting the progress made in public health coverage over the past decade, the minister noted that about 10 years ago, government treatment assistance was limited to Rs. 30,000 and covered only around 40,000 families.
Currently, families enrolled under the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi receive treatment coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per year. The number of families holding KASP cards has also increased significantly to about 42 lakh in the state.
In addition, families not included in KASP but with an annual income below Rs. 3 lakh receive treatment assistance of up to Rs. 2 lakh under the Karunya Benevolent Fund. Patients suffering from kidney-related diseases can receive an additional benefit of up to Rs. 1 lakh.
Expected Impact of the New Initiative
The Universal Health Coverage Plan is expected to close the gaps in the state’s healthcare safety net by bringing uninsured families under a structured support system. By extending financial protection for treatment, the programme could reduce the burden of medical expenses on low- and middle-income households and improve access to timely healthcare.
Officials believe the scheme will strengthen Kerala’s public health framework and ensure that more people receive medical care without facing severe financial hardship.
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