Kerala Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal on Thursday presented a 'realistic' budget for the financial year 2026-27. He announced the allocation of Rs 14,500 crore for social security pensions and hiked the honorarium of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and Anganwadi workers by Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 per month respectively.
The hike comes after the state witnessed widespread protests by ASHA workers last year demanding better pay, retirement benefits, and formal recognition as workers.
Highlighting Kerala's health sector, drawing parallels with developed countries, the finance minister included measures to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure, widen Karunya coverage, and improve access to free medicines through government hospitals.
Key takeaways from the budget:
* ₹ 30 crore allocated for cancer treatment through medical college hospitals.
* The monthly pension for cancer and AIDS patients hiked to ₹ 1000.
* ₹ 38 crore for the 108 Ambulance project.
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* ₹ 30 crore allotted for RCC Thiruvanthapuram.
* ₹ 203 crore allotted for cancer treatment and detection.
* The pneumococcal vaccine will be administered to the elderly in the state. Pneumococcal vaccines help prevent serious infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis, which are common risks for the elderly. They are a vital tool in protecting against both localized and invasive diseases.
* The budget also announced a new health insurance programme for the families left out of the Karunya Health Scheme. ₹ 50 crore has been allocated for the scheme.