Sonia Gandhi Inaugurated Two Health Schemes in Kerala

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on 29 September 2013 inaugurated Kerala's two major health schemes Arogya Kiranam and Distribution of free generic medicines in all government hospitals.

Arogya Kiranam which ensures free medical care to all children for all ailments till they attain 18 years is the state's modified version of Central Government Scheme Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), a new national programme under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).
 
Arogya Kiranam Scheme

Kerala is the first state in the country to introduce Arogya Kiranam. Both APL and BPL family could derive the benefits of these schemes through Government hospitals of Kerala. The schemes will come into effect on 2 October 2013.

Under Arogyakiranam Scheme, the Health Department intends to bring about a convergence of all these child health initiatives, which will be implemented utilising the Central funds which will come to the State under RBSK.

An amount of 21.6 crore rupees has been allocated for the scheme through NRHM. And early intervention centres have been planned in all districts under Arogyakiranam.

Distribution of Free Generic Medicines

Under the scheme to distribute generic drugs free of cost, all government hospitals, up till primary health centres, will provide 820 drugs to patients in out patient clinics.

Committees have been set up at the hospital, district, and State-levels for the implementation of the scheme. Expert committees, including doctors as members, have also been set up at every district to monitor the stocks in the godowns of Kerala Medical Services Corporation Limited.