Thalolam Scheme, run by the Kerala Social Security Mission under the Social Justice Department, gives free medical treatment to children aged 18 and below who suffer from chronic and life-threatening conditions. It helps poor families get the support they need for surgical and long-term care.
Thalolam Scheme was launched by the Government of Kerala on 1st January 2010. It focuses on easing the burden of treatment costs for families. The scheme provides free, quality treatment to children below the age of 18 who suffer from various chronic health issues, including kidney diseases, cardiovascular problems, cerebral palsy, brittle bone disease, haemophilia, thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, orthopedic deformities, various neuro-developmental disabilities, congenital anomalies such as those seen in endosulfan victims, and urgent accident-related surgeries.
Treatment is available at the following designated government and specialty hospitals:
- Govt. Medical College Hospital, Trivandrum
- Govt. Medical College Hospital, Thrissur
- Govt. Medical College Hospital, Alappuzha
- S. A. T Hospital, Trivandrum
- Govt. Medical College Hospital, Kottayam
- I.M.C.H, Kozhikode
- Govt. Medical College, Kozhikode
- I.C.H.M.C. Kottayam
- Co-operative Medical College, Kannur
- Regional Cancer Center, Thiruvananthapuram
- District Hospital, Aluva, Ernakulam
- Sree Chithira Thirunal Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram
Thalolam Scheme - Key Information
Thalolam Scheme continues to be a running state welfare scheme for children in Kerala in 2026. It is implemented through the Kerala Social Security Mission, and families can approach the empanelled government hospitals for help.
| Key Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Thalolam Scheme |
| State | Kerala |
| Nodal Department | Social Justice Department |
| Implementing Agency | Kerala Social Security Mission |
| Target Beneficiaries | Children under 18 years |
| Benefit Type | In-kind medical help |
| Launch Date | 01-01-2010 |
Benefits
Under Thalolam Scheme, families receive meaningful money support to cover treatment costs. The main benefit is:
| Benefit Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial treatment help | ₹50,000 |
If the child needs treatment that costs more than this initial amount, extra money support may be granted. This is decided based on the expert evaluation by the Superintendent, the Head of the Specialty Department, and the Head of the Radiotherapy Department.
Eligibility
To get benefit from Thalolam Scheme, the child should meet the following eligibility conditions:
- The child should be a permanent resident of Kerala.
- The patient must be below the age of 18.
- The family must belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category or be otherwise unable to afford the treatment costs.
- The medical condition should be lethal or fatal, excluding cancer.
For example, if a child from a low-income family in Kerala requires urgent surgery for a congenital heart defect, the parents can seek help through this scheme provided they meet the documented income criteria.
Application Process
There is no complex application form for Thalolam Scheme. The process is simple and direct:
STEP 1 - Visit any of the empanelled government hospitals listed under this scheme.
STEP 2 - Approach the assigned Safety Mission counselor present at the hospital.
STEP 3 - The counselor will conduct an economic and social assessment of the family situation.
STEP 4 - Once verified, the hospital and the Social Justice Department will arrange the free treatment directly.
STEP 5 - Alternatively, families may contact the local District Social Justice Officer in Kerala for guidance.
Documents
When approaching the counselor for help, keep these documents handy to make the checking process easy:
- Valid Aadhaar or identity proof of the patient.
- Birth certificate or age proof document.
- Income certificate issued by a competent authority.
- BPL card copy (if available).
- Ration card.
- Residence certificate.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- All relevant medical reports detailing the condition.
References
Patient Benefit Schemes - GMC Thrissur | ₹2 crore allocated for Thalolam project - The Hindu
FAQ's
What is the primary aim of Thalolam Scheme?
The scheme aims to provide free medical treatment to children aged 18 and under who suffer from serious conditions like kidney diseases, heart ailments, cerebral palsy, and other specified chronic disorders.
When was this scheme introduced?
The Government of Kerala introduced this scheme on 1st January 2010.
Who qualifies for this support?
Children aged 18 or under residing in Kerala who suffer from fatal or highly severe illnesses (non-cancerous) and come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds qualify for the help.
Is there a specific age cap?
Yes, the scheme is strictly for children who are 18 years of age or younger.
What is the initial financial support amount?
A patient is eligible to receive an initial amount of up to ₹50,000 for treatment.
Can a child receive more than the initial amount?
Yes, if the treatment costs exceed the initial ₹50,000, further help can be approved based on the recommendations of the hospital Superintendent and the heads of the relevant specialty departments.
How does the selection process work?
Selection is based on the economic and social assessment conducted by the Safety Mission counselors stationed at the participating hospitals, making sure families in genuine need receive help.