Kozhikode: The National Health Mission (NHM) activities in Kerala have plunged into crisis as the union government has withheld funds due to the state government's refusal to comply with its branding requirements.

The central government directed that health centres be renamed 'Ayushman Arogyamandir' and their buildings be painted in metallic yellow.

Operations at government health centres in Kerala are now in jeopardy. Likewise, doctors, nurses, and office staff working in these centres have yet to receive their salaries.

Finally bowing to pressure, the state government has agreed to change the name as directed, but implementation will take time.

Employees report that salary delays have been common since the beginning of this year. There are approximately 13,000 employees in the state under NHM. The Centre provides 60%, with the state contributing 40% of the funding for NHM. However, no funds were received from the Centre in the previous financial year.

NHM employees also claim they receive much lower salaries compared to their counterparts in other government services.

Due to lack of funds, NHM's pre-monsoon preventive activities have also ground to a halt. Additionally, the Mathruyaanam scheme, which provides free transport for mothers and newborns, and palliative care activities have been suspended.