V.D. Satheesan proposes Kerala budget with ₹10cr insurance, ₹25L cover
Kerala's new budget is putting a spotlight on health.
Chief Minister and Finance Minister V.D. Satheesan has proposed the ₹10 crore Oommen Chandy health insurance scheme, covering up to ₹25 lakh per family, so people don't have to worry as much about medical bills.
There's also a big push for the Kerala Health and Life Sciences City, bringing hospitals, colleges, and research centers together under one roof.
In total, ₹2,076.02 crore is set aside for medical care and public health.
Thiruvananthapuram and Haripad college plans revived
The budget revives plans for new medical colleges in Thiruvananthapuram and Haripad, plus upgrades at four more across the state.
There's extra support for annual checkups if you're 40 years and above, mobile labs heading out to rural areas, and a "Golden Hour" trauma care program to help accident victims quickly.
To tackle waterborne diseases and make health care more accessible everywhere, including tribal and coastal communities, the budget boosts funding for sanitation and launches a school health brigade too.