The government has said that the one-time financial assistance for medical treatment under the Karunya Benevolent Fund (KBF) scheme is being extended to the year 2022-23.
The treatment benefits under the scheme can be availed of till March 31, 2023, through all government hospitals and other empanelled private hospitals.
A statement issued by the office of the Health Minister said the State health agency had extended healthcare benefits to the tune of ₹109.66 crore, for a total of 1,90,123 claims. At present, 198 government hospitals and 452 empanelled private hospitals are offering free treatment under KBF and Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhati (KASP).
All those who are members of the KASP can avail of free treatment through these hospitals for the entire family, to the tune of ₹5 lakh every year. However, the KBF offers a one-time assistance of ₹2 lakh to a family. For kidney transplantation, the KBF gives a one-time assistance of ₹3 lakh.
The government is extending the KBF every year with the sanction of the Finance department so that those in the APL/BPL categories, who are not included in the KASP but whose annual income is below ₹3 lakh, can be provided free care.