Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has announced a new healthcare initiative in memory of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, allocating ₹10 crore for the Oommen Chandy Health Insurance Scheme in the 2026-27 State Budget.
Presenting the Budget in the Assembly, Chief Minister and Finance Minister V. D. Satheesan said the scheme is aimed at providing financial protection to families facing high medical expenses. Under the programme, eligible families will be entitled to free medical treatment worth up to ₹25 lakh, significantly reducing the burden of healthcare costs on economically vulnerable households.
The government said the scheme has been designed to ensure access to quality healthcare services, including treatment for serious illnesses that often require expensive medical procedures and long-term care. The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of families across Kerala who struggle to afford advanced medical treatment.
The Oommen Chandy Health Insurance Scheme forms part of the UDF government’s broader focus on strengthening public healthcare and expanding social welfare coverage. The Budget emphasized that healthcare accessibility remains a key priority, alongside investments in education, employment generation and social security.
Officials indicated that detailed guidelines regarding eligibility criteria, empanelled hospitals and implementation procedures will be announced in the coming months. The government expects the scheme to complement existing healthcare programmes while providing enhanced coverage for families requiring specialized treatment.
The announcement has drawn attention because of Oommen Chandy’s long association with welfare-oriented governance and public service. By naming the scheme after the former Chief Minister, the government said it aims to continue his legacy of ensuring that healthcare remains accessible to ordinary citizens regardless of their financial background.
The healthcare initiative was among several welfare measures unveiled in the UDF government’s first Budget, which also included proposals related to women’s welfare, education, entrepreneurship, agriculture and infrastructure development.
