Kerala budget focuses on women’s health with dedicated Menopause clinics

The Kerala Budget 2026-27 introduced several new welfare initiatives, placing strong focus on women’s healthcare and social security for vulnerable groups .

Among the key announcements was the setting up of specialised menopause clinics in district hospitals, with an allocation of ₹3 crore . Menopause, a natural biological phase that typically occurs after the age of 45 , is often overlooked despite its significant physical and emotional impact. Women frequently experience hormonal imbalance, sleep disorders, mental stress and bone-related problems during this stage.

The proposed clinics will provide medical consultations, mental health counselling , screening for heart, bone and hormonal health , along with medicines and lifestyle guidance at a single location. Kerala follows Maharashtra , which earlier became the first state to launch government-run menopause clinics.

The budget also announced life and accident insurance coverage for school children studying from Class 1 to Class 12 , with ₹15 crore earmarked annually . The scheme aims to provide financial protection to families in the event of unforeseen incidents involving students.

Extending the safety net further, the government said life and accident insurance will be provided to members of Haritha Karma Sena, autorickshaw drivers, taxi workers, lottery workers and other sections of the unorganised labour sector , which largely remains outside formal insurance systems.

A major highlight was the rollout of Medisep 2.0 from February 1 , expanding health insurance benefits for around 11 lakh government employees and pensioners . The revamped scheme offers cashless treatment , an expanded hospital network and no age or medical check-up restrictions . A similar Medisep-model insurance plan will be introduced for PSU and cooperative institution employees and pensioners .

In addition, the budget proposed an affordable health insurance scheme for autorickshaw and taxi workers under welfare boards and announced ₹50 crore for a new insurance programme covering families outside the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Scheme . Another ₹10 crore has been earmarked for group insurance for fishermen .

With initiatives spanning menopause care, student protection and worker security, the Kerala Budget underscores a renewed push towards inclusive healthcare and social protection .