Kerala Increases Funding for Healthcare Initiative KASP

The Kerala government allocated an additional Rs 250 crore for its health insurance scheme, KASP, benefiting over 41.99 lakh vulnerable people. Finance Minister K N Balagopal announced a total allocation of Rs 4,618 crore, providing free annual medical treatment worth Rs 5 lakh per family. The scheme is implemented across 197 government and numerous private hospitals.

The Kerala government has bolstered its commitment to public health by approving an additional Rs 250 crore for the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP), a health insurance scheme that aids more than 41.99 lakh poor and vulnerable citizens.

Finance Minister K N Balagopal highlighted that the total allocation for KASP under the current administration has reached Rs 4,618 crore. This initiative, implemented through the state health agency, provides up to Rs 5 lakh in free medical treatment annually for each beneficiary family.

The scheme covers 41.99 lakh families, with 18.02 lakh families receiving full premium coverage from the state. Treatment services are accessible in 197 government hospitals, as well as numerous private facilities across Kerala.

(With inputs from agencies.)