Kerala Health Minister Urges Timely Release of NHM Funds by Centre

Kerala Health Minister Veena George has called on Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to release the Union government’s share of National Health Mission (NHM) funds due to the state’s health department. Despite completing co-branding activities as per the Union government’s directives, the funds have not been distributed, affecting various NHM activities.

Last month, the state government had to allocate emergency funds for NHM services, including employee salaries. The Union government is yet to sanction ₹826.02 crore for NHM, with ₹550.68 crore being the state’s share.

While the state’s share is available, the delay in the release of the Union government’s component hampers NHM program implementation. Health Minister George highlighted the urgency of fund distribution during a meeting chaired by the Union Health Minister to review the national COVID situation.