Kerala Health Budget Controversy: Minister Addresses Allegations of Fund Cuts

Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal refuted claims of funding cuts to the public health sector, following concerns raised by a senior doctor about equipment shortages at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. While the opposition criticized the health department, Balagopal confirmed increased budget allocations for healthcare in recent years.

Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal on Monday refuted reports suggesting cuts to the state's public health sector funding, a matter that has sparked a political debate. This follows revelations from a senior doctor about a lack of surgical equipment and delay in medical procedures at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital.

Balagopal clarified via a Facebook post that no cuts have been made to hospital or patient-related expenditures, emphasizing that treasury restrictions typically do not impact health spending. Opposition figures, led by the Congress-headed UDF, had criticized the Health Department following Dr Haris Chirakkal's statements about critical equipment shortages, leading to planned inquiries into the health sector's state.

The finance minister dismissed the funding cut claims as 'baseless,' highlighting that for the 2024–25 year, health budget allocations increased beyond initial estimates. He detailed historic budget expansions to counteract the pandemic and touted recent investments, including 770 new health sector positions and advanced treatment options.

(With inputs from agencies.)