Kerala’s 2025-26 budget channels ₹10,431 crore into healthcare, a strategic hike that bolsters medical infrastructure and public health amid rising lifestyle diseases and emergency demands.
Expanded Emergency Services
Advanced life support ambulances under the 108 service receive ₹80 crore to deploy 335 units statewide, ensuring faster critical care response. Cath labs in key medical colleges get ₹45 crore, while 105 new dialysis units across districts are funded at ₹13.98 crore, achieving full coverage unprecedented in India.
Oncology and Stroke Focus
Cancer care advances with ₹152.5 crore for early detection and a towering 14-story Regional Cancer Centre expansion using ₹28 crore. Stroke treatment extends to every district hospital through ₹21 crore, enhancing survival rates via specialized units.
Preventive and Supportive Measures
Lifestyle disease prevention earns ₹12 crore for awareness and screenings targeting diabetes and hypertension. Women’s health sees ₹8 crore for infertility clinics and labs, plus ₹5.4 crore for palliative networks including a ₹1 crore grid for chronic patients. National Health Mission gets ₹465 crore state share, with nursing education boosted by 1,020 seats and 15 colleges.
These steps build on ₹6,788 crore in recent free treatments for 25 lakh people, prioritizing accessibility despite manpower challenges.
