Kerala MPs accuse Centre of 'financial discrimination' against state

New Delhi: Kerala MPs on Wednesday accused the central government of withholding funds under various schemes and imposing financial restrictions on the state, which they claim is hampering healthcare expansion and essential services.

During a discussion on the working of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, CPI(M) leader V Sivadasan alleged that Kerala has been subjected to excessive conditions for claiming its rightful dues. He also criticized the Centre for not considering the state’s long-pending request to establish an AIIMS branch.

Echoing similar concerns, CPI MP PP Suneer accused the Centre of targeting Kerala with "unjust financial discrimination." He claimed that over ₹600 crore in dues remain unpaid, affecting the state’s efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and services. He also pointed out that ASHA workers, who are crucial to rural healthcare delivery, have not received their pending payments.

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury highlighted the issue of unspent funds in various healthcare schemes and criticized the GST levied on wheelchairs. She also called for discounted air and train fares for cancer patients, citing ICMR studies that show India has the third-highest cancer prevalence globally, with rising mortality rates.

Meanwhile, BJP MP Amar Pal Maurya launched a counterattack on the Congress, accusing it of historically discriminating against the poor in healthcare access. He alleged that Congress leaders have a problem with free healthcare for the underprivileged and blamed them for exploiting the country for 70 years.

With PTI inputs