Unpaid dues: Private medical colleges in Kerala threaten to withdraw from Karunya scheme

Thiruvananthapuram: Private medical college managements in Kerala have announced their intention to withdraw from the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme unless the government settles outstanding payments for free treatments. Each medical college has to get between Rs 30 and Rs 40 crores by way of arrears for the past ten months.

The Karunya scheme covers 45 lakh families, including those falling under the 'below the poverty line' (BPL) category. Under the scheme, the majority of private medical colleges are providing free treatment to such beneficiaries. According to the agreement, the government is responsible for disbursing funds through the State Health Agency to respective hospitals within 15 days after the treatment is completed. However, Anilkumar Vallil, President of the Private Medical College Management Association, stated that payments have not been received correctly for the past ten months.

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.

Kozhikode Hospitals withdraw from scheme amid mounting arrears

P Lijeesh

The government and private hospitals in Kozhikode district have huge arrears, leading many key private hospitals to withdraw from the Karunya Health Care Scheme. Currently, only a few facilities, including government hospitals like Kozhikode Medical College and two private medical colleges, continue to provide treatment under the scheme.

Dialysis centres run by charitable organizations 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 empanelled under the scheme in the district, but many major private hospitals have already opted out.

Kidney Patients in Crisis

The Karunya scheme has been a crucial lifeline for kidney patients requiring dialysis, offering Rs 900 per session. In contrast, dialysis at private hospitals can cost up to Rs 1,500, making the scheme essential for many. Unfortunately, with the withdrawal of services from the Vadakara Cooperative Hospital, numerous patients have lost access to this vital support.

Dialysis is generally required three times a week to sustain life, placing a considerable financial burden on patients. Charitable organizations like 'Vadakara Thanal' offer dialysis services under the scheme, but they now face the challenge of covering an additional Rs 300 that Karunya does not reimburse. As private hospitals withdraw from the program, an increasing number of patients are seeking treatment at charity-run dialysis centres.