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Written By: Admin | Updated : April 19, 2013 9:46 AM IST
The Kerala state government proposed to extent its medical 'Karunya' scheme to more hospitals in the state to help patients suffering from chronic ailments, Kerala state Finance Minister MK Mani announced. A sum of Rs 110 crore has already been distributed under the scheme for treatment of cancer patients and those suffering from kidney problems. Now the scheme will also cover people suffering from sickle-cell anaemia, thalassemia and mental disorders, the funds for which are collected from the state's popular 'Karunya lottery'.
An insurance scheme would also be launched with free premium for patients with chronic diseases to enable them to get continued treatment. New dialysis units would be set up in 27 taluk hospitals at a cost of Rs 37.5 crore. Two private hospitals in each taluk would also be accredited to carry out dialysis under the scheme, the minister said.
The state of Kerala is a remarkable story as far as Human Development Index and other social indicators are concerned. In fact the state can compete with the most developed nations across the world when it comes to primary healthcare, education levels, infant mortality rate, maternal mortality rate and other indicators. Economists and other experts have all pondered how the Kerala Model could be replicated in other developing world scenarios. Despite having similar resources to the rest of the country, Kerala has a remarkable record. There are over 2,700 government medical institutions in the state, 330 beds per 100,000 people (highest in the country, India's average is 90 per 100,000).
The rest of India, particularly the politicians in the Centre can take a leaf out of Kerala's book and realise that universal health coverage is indeed a feasible dream if it's planned out properly.
