Health insurance scheme for poor, first in state

BHAGALPUR: Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday launched the ambitious National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in the state. Smart cards of NHIS were also distributed to some of the beneficiaries on the occasion in Bhagalpur.

The scheme was launched through video-conferencing in Patna in the presence of central and state government officials while ministers Ashwini Chaubey and Awdhesh Narayan Singh along with divisional officials were present in Bhagalpur.

It may be mentioned here that extremely poor and needy people living below poverty line (BPL) have been brought under the purview of the innovative NHIS. Under the scheme, BPL people, especially those working in unorganized sectors, including farming, would be major beneficiaries.

All beneficiaries would get a health insurance cover of Rs 30,000, which would be utilized in medical treatment, including hospitalization. Cash payment of Rs 100 upto a maximum of Rs 1000 per annum would be paid to the insured beneficiaries for transportation of patients to hospitals and bringing them back home.

All costs for the health insurance scheme under NHIS would be borne by central and state governments jointly. As much as 75 percent of the cost would be borne by the central government whereas the state government would bear 25 percent of the cost of NHIS premium. A nodal agency would monitor the execution of NHIS in the state.

Asserting his commitment to better the lives of the poor, Nitish said that NHIS would bring a radical change in the overall image of a welfare state. The poor, who often fall victim to circumstances, find it difficult to seek medical services, said the chief minister adding that NHIS would now end their ordeal.

Nitish said that radical transformation in health services in the state has taken place and nowadays primary health centres (PHCs) apart from other government hospitals are rendering quality service to the needy even in remote areas. NHIS would add up to the health services being provided to the deprived, he added.

Labour minister Awdhesh Narayan Singh and PHED minister Ashwini Chaubey welcomed the launch of NHIS in the state from Bhagalpur.

They said that NHIS would wipe the tears from the eyes of the poor and needy. NHIS is also being implemented in other districts, including Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Saharsa, Purnea, etc, said the ministers.

Those present on the occasion included divisional commissioner Akhileshwar Giri, DM Santosh Kumar Mall, DDC Laxmikant Chouhan besides other officials.


Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com