Shashi Tharoor Urges Centre to Revise Ayushman Vay Vandana Funding Pattern, Cites Kerala's Fiscal Burden

New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has called on the Central government to reconsider the funding pattern of the Ayushman Vay Vandana scheme, stating that the current cost-sharing arrangement places an undue financial burden on Kerala.

Raising the issue, Tharoor said Kerala's demographic profile, with a relatively larger elderly population, results in higher healthcare expenditure under the scheme. He argued that the existing funding formula does not adequately account for such demographic differences and therefore places additional pressure on the state's finances.

The Thiruvananthapuram MP urged the Centre to adopt a more balanced and need-based funding mechanism that reflects the healthcare requirements of states with ageing populations. He said a revised cost-sharing pattern would enable Kerala to continue providing quality healthcare services without placing excessive strain on its budget.

Tharoor also highlighted Kerala's achievements in public health and its long-standing investment in healthcare infrastructure, saying these efforts should be supported through a fairer financial arrangement between the Centre and the states.

The Ayushman Vay Vandana initiative is aimed at expanding healthcare coverage for senior citizens, with financial support shared between the Union and state governments under prescribed funding norms.

The Congress leader maintained that a review of the funding structure would strengthen the scheme's implementation and ensure that states facing higher healthcare costs are not disproportionately affected.

The Centre has not yet issued an official response to Tharoor's request. The issue is expected to generate discussion as states continue to seek greater financial support for welfare and healthcare programmes.

The demand comes amid ongoing debates over Centre-state fiscal relations, healthcare financing and the implementation of welfare schemes across the country.