Kerala’s Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi

February 17, 2025

The Kerala government has made strides in health care with the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASAP). This integrated health protection scheme aims to provide comprehensive coverage for the state’s most vulnerable populations. With an additional allocation of Rs 300 crore, the total funding for KASAP in the current financial year has reached Rs 978.54 crore. This scheme is designed to cover over 64 lakh beneficiaries, primarily targeting the poorest 40% of the population.

Objectives of KASAP

KASAP aims to provide health coverage of Rs 5 lakh annually per family.
It benefits approximately 41.99 lakh families, ensuring access to secondary and tertiary healthcare services.
This initiative is crucial for reducing the financial burden of medical expenses on low-income households.

Coverage Details

The scheme covers hospitalisation costs for various medical treatments. Beneficiaries can avail of cashless services at 197 state-run hospitals, four central hospitals, and 364 private hospitals across Kerala. The scheme also includes pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses, extending up to 15 days after discharge.

Integration with Other Schemes

KASAP integrates multiple government-sponsored health care schemes. It combines the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS), Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS), and the Karunya Benevolent Fund (KBF). This convergence aims to streamline health services under a unified framework.

Key Features of KASAP

KASAP offers several advantageous features. It provides coverage for pre-existing conditions from day one. There are no restrictions on family size or age. The scheme also includes a wide range of medical services, covering approximately 1,573 procedures. Beneficiaries can access treatment at any empanelled hospital across India.

The Role of the Karunya Benevolent Fund

The KBF provides additional financial assistance for severe ailments. Funded through Kerala’s lottery system, it supports individuals suffering from conditions like cancer, kidney disease, and heart ailments. This initiative complements KASAP by addressing critical health care needs for the underprivileged.

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