Malappuram: The State's initiative to expand the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Scheme (KASP) by incorporating more cooperative hospitals to offer free medical services to economically disadvantaged citizens has encountered delays. Presently, out of the 566 hospitals in both government and private sectors, only 10 represent the cooperative sector with significant limitations in service.

There are 110 cooperative hospitals statewide. Malappuram district leads with three cooperative hospitals enlisted for free treatment, followed by Kozhikode with three hospitals, albeit one solely dedicated to Covid cases. Additionally, hospitals in Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, and Kasaragod districts have one each, while other places with speciality and super-speciality hospitals remain excluded.

Financial support to cooperative hospitals from the State government amounted to Rs 217 crore in the financial year 2021-22. However, beneficiaries advocate for the inclusion of government-aided hospitals in the scheme.

Although the list expanded to include 364 private sector hospitals alongside 202 government hospitals, utilization of services from cooperative hospitals remains minimal. Despite initial assurances of their integration into the scheme, the process has faced delays.

KASP officials are reportedly engaged in discussions with cooperative hospital managements to address the issue. Additionally, the Chief Minister's Office has forwarded a letter to the Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, urging exploration of opportunities to incorporate more cooperative hospitals into the initiative.