Kerala Demands Rs 637 Crore Grant for National Health Mission Operations

Kerala has requested the release of an overdue Rs 637 crore grant from the Centre to support the state's National Health Mission (NHM). Health Minister Veena George wrote to Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, stressing that the lack of funds is affecting critical health services, including emergency ambulances and ASHA worker incentives.

Kerala has called on the Central government to release an overdue Rs 637 crore grant necessary for the operations of the National Health Mission (NHM) in the state. State Health Minister Veena George formally addressed the issue in a letter to Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda.

The funds, which were earmarked for the financial year 2023-24, along with the first installment of the current financial year, are crucial for sustaining various health services in Kerala. 'The non-allocation of central funds has adversely impacted crucial sectors such as emergency ambulance services, biomedical equipment, NHM staff salaries, ASHA worker incentives, palliative care, and dialysis,' said an official release.

At present, these essential services are being funded by the state government, which is creating additional financial stress. The state has urged the Centre to expedite the release of funds to stabilize the health sector operations.