Thiruvananthapuram: Withdrawal of Karunya Health Insurance Scheme

The private medical colleges in Kerala have announced the withdrawal of the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme, which was designed to provide affordable healthcare unless the government settles outstanding payments for free treatments.

The Karunya Scheme provides coverage to 45 Lakh families, including those falling under the 'below the poverty line' (BPL) category. The majority of private colleges are providing free treatment to eligible beneficiaries under this scheme.

Also Read: Private Hospitals Contemplate Treatment Halt for Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) Patients

According to the agreement, the government is required to disburse funds through the State Health Agency within 15 days of treatment completion. However, Anilkumar Vallil, President of the Private Medical College Management Association, has voiced concerns that payments have not been made as per this timeline.

As per the recent media report by Mathrubhumi, in a letter to the Chief Minister, the association also noted that each college is still awaiting Rs 30 crore in fees for students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Other Eligible Communities (OEC) list. The association pointed out that if the government fails to settle these dues, salaries will be halted, jeopardizing the operation of the medical colleges and their affiliated hospitals.

The situation particularly worsens as the government and private hospitals in Kozhikode district have huge arrears, leading many key private hospitals to opt-out of the Karunya Health Care Scheme. This situation leaves only a few facilities, including government hospitals like Kozhikode Medical College and two private medical colleges to continue to provide treatment under the scheme.

Dialysis centers run by charitable organizations are facing a critical crisis. They have crores as arrears from the Karunya scheme and are struggling with day-to-day management despite their ongoing services. In total, 16 government hospitals and 65 private hospitals have been impaneled under the scheme in the district. However, a growing number of major private hospitals have opted out.

This scheme is vital for Kidney patients. The patients requiring dialysis the scheme offers Rs 900 per session. In comparison, dialysis at private hospitals can cost up to Rs 1,500. This makes the scheme essential for many needy patients but unfortunately, with the withdrawal of services from the Vadakara Cooperative Hospital, numerous patients are now struggling for vital support.

Also Read: Kerala: Public hospitals facing financial crisis over non-payment of claims under KASP scheme

Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that many patients require three times a week, placing a considerable financial burden on patients. Charitable organizations like 'Vadakara Thanal' have been offering dialysis services under the Karunya scheme. However, these charitable organizations are now facing challenges to cover an additional Rs 300 that Karunya does not reimburse anymore. This extra cost adds to the financial strain on both the centers and the patients who rely on these services. As private hospitals withdraw from the program, an increasing number of patients are turning to charity-run dialysis centers, further straining their resources.