The Times of India 29.09.2009
National health insurance plan to be in city soon
CHANDIGARH: The Central government’s health scheme Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (RSBY) would be launched shortly in the city. Around 9,000 below-poverty-line (BPL) families would benefit from the scheme.
Under the scheme, BPL families would get free medical treatment for more than 700 in-patient medical procedures with a cost of up to Rs 30,000 per annum for a nominal registration fee of Rs 30.
The objective of RSBY is to provide insurance cover to BPL households from major health shocks that involve hospitalization. In the city, medical facilities would be provided at Government Multispeciality Hospital, Sector 16, Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, community health centres of Manimajra and Sector 22, besides three private clinics.
Most importantly, pre-existing medical conditions would also be covered and there is no age limit. The coverage extends up to five members of a family including the head of household, spouse and up to three dependents.
It has been learnt that all hospital have started gearing up to provide facilities at the earliest. Counters will be set up to receive patients and awareness materials like posters and boards are being put up at strategic place.
It has been learnt that all hospital have started gearing up to provide facilities at the earliest. Counters will be set up to receive patients and awareness materials like posters and boards are being put up at strategic place.
Though the scheme would be formally inaugurated by the UT administrator later, medical facilities have been provided to patients visiting GMH-16 with smart cards. At GMCH, a dry run would commence from Tuesday to check the technical modalities of the programme. UT Red Cross Society, the nodal agency of the scheme, is issuing the cards.
The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on August 15, 2007. While 75% expenses are being provided by the government of India, the remainder will be paid by the state governments.
