Thiruvananthapuram: The UDF government has announced a free health insurance scheme named after former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. Governor Rajendra Arlekar announced the scheme during the first policy address of the VD Satheesan government. Under the Oommen Chandy Health Insurance Scheme, each family will receive coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh annually.

The free health insurance scheme in Oommen Chandy’s name was one of the key promises highlighted by the UDF during the election campaign. The Karunya scheme implemented by Oommen Chandy during his tenure as Chief Minister was regarded as one of the most impactful healthcare initiatives for ordinary people in Kerala’s history.

Reviving the memories of Karunya, the UDF has now introduced the new Oommen Chandy Health Insurance Scheme. The proposal had become a major topic of discussion among voters, with expectations that it would provide huge relief from rising medical expenses for common people.

Soaring healthcare costs today are a major concern for both the middle class and the poor. A sudden diagnosis of cancer, heart disease, or even a road accident can wipe out the life savings of a middle-class family. Existing government insurance schemes are often inadequate to fully cover complex surgeries or long-term treatments. The new scheme has been introduced with this in mind.

The government aims to bring expensive diagnostic tests in private hospitals, ICU facilities, cancer treatment, and other major healthcare expenses under this single scheme. It is expected to become a life-saving safety net that ensures treatment will not be denied due to lack of money. However, for such insurance protection to be provided, the government will have to pay insurance companies premiums worth crores of rupees regularly.

The announcement does not specify how the scheme will be implemented or when it will come into effect. It is also unclear whether it will be a revamped version of the Karunya scheme or a merger of existing government insurance schemes. In the coming days, more clarity is expected on whether the scheme will include everyone irrespective of financial status, as promised during the election campaign.