Local Goa News

Monday, May 30, 2016

Universal medical scheme launched, but local grey areas prominent

Private insurance company to manage the scheme, promise of roping in pvt hospitals to be tested after they agree to be empanelled

PANJIM: The Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojna, the government’s ambitious Universal Mediclaim scheme, which will cover the State’s entire population, was launched on Monday, but there are many grey areas in the scheme.
Speaking at the function Dy Chief Minister and Health Minister Francis D’Souza said the government will tie up with private hospitals in the State as well as outside so that people will be able to choose where they want to be treated.
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said Goa is the only State where the entire population is being covered under such a scheme in which income limit is not the criteria. “This scheme will reduce the load on the existing government hospitals and especially GMC Bambolim. This scheme will give a person choice to take treatment in which hospital,” Parsekar said.
The government has tied up with a private insurance company to meet the medical expenses of patients. Parsekar said that Rs 3206 will be paid by the government to the insurance company annually for the scheme.
The scheme covers families in two categories. A family of three and less members will get benefits up to Rs 2.5 lakh of insurance cover annually whereas a family of four and more will benefit by treatment of Rs 4 lakh annually.
The scheme, which will be implemented from August 15, 2016, will also include mental and ayurvedic treatments. The process of issuing insurance cards will be completed by August 15, the Chief Minister said and added that there will be centres in all talukas where people have to enroll for the cards.
Fees for the card have been fixed and a family of three and less members has to pay Rs 200 and a family of four and above has to pay Rs 300. The government has given 50% relaxation to SC, ST and physically disabled people.
The main criteria to avail of the scheme is that the individual should have valid proof of five years residence in Goa.
Union Defence Minister Parrikar, used the government function to announce the State scheme to make a political pitch. “In the last 50 years, BJP had formed the government only on four occasions and development in Goa has come only during BJP rule,” Parrikar said.

Herald Goa News

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