New Delhi [India], May 27 (ANI): Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, hit out at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on his government's decision to ask people to pay for institutional quarantine facilities in Kerala, terming the move a "betrayal" of the state's healthcare model.

"Expecting our returning pravasis, many of whom have lost their jobs, to pay for their quarantine is not only sad but a betrayal of the Kerala healthcare model whose success the govt has been basking in," Tharoor said in a tweet.

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Earlier, Vijayan said that his government will not be able to bear the expenses of providing quarantine facilities in Kerala.

"People will have to pay for institutional quarantine facilities in the state. It is not applicable at present. The state will introduce different ranges and a lesser amount for financially backward people. Lakhs of people will be coming to Kerala and the government will not be able to bear the expenses of all. All people in institutional quarantine should pay," he said.

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According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Kerala has recorded 896 positive COVID-19 cases so far, including 532 cured/discharged/migrated. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)