PANJIM: The Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva (DDSS) health insurance scheme to be launched on May 30 will cover mental illnesses, ayurvedic treatments and long-term medication for chronic lifestyle diseases such as hypertension and diabetes among 447 aliments. Some reputed private hospitals like AIIMS and Tata Memorial are to be empanelled where patients could avail benefits of the scheme.
Addressing media persons after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said that in due course, considering the success of the scheme, the government may consider inclusion of non-Goan residents from districts like Karwar and Sindudurgh, who visit Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) for treatment, under the insurance cover.
“The Health Minister’s from the States of Maharashtra and Karnataka are in talks with us, wherein they are ready to pay the required installment to the insurance company for health cover to their citizens. We have assured them that their demand would be looked into in due course,” Parsekar said in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Health Francis D’Souza.
“Until then, non-Goans will have to pay for their treatment in GMC for the 447 aliments. Others would be free of cost,” he clarified.
The cabinet on Friday approved the DDSS scheme to provide health insurance cover for the entire resident population of Goa for five or more years through United India Insurance Co Ltd at a premium of Rs 3206 per family for the next five years.
“Total 447 aliments will be covered under this, which include chronic lifestyle diseases, ayurvedic treatment and mental illness. Of the 447 procedures, 276 are exclusively reserved for government hospitals. This will help in attracting more people to government hospitals,” Chief Minister said.
GMC, two district hospitals, sub-district hospital and some reputed private hospitals in each taluka will be empanelled under the scheme. “Apart from this we have asked the insurance company to tie up with AIIMS, Tata Memorial and other major hospitals of the country,” he said.
The insurance cover will be up to 2.5 lakh per annum for a family of three or less members and up to 4 lakh for a family of four and more. “The families of government employees are excluded from this,” Parsekar said. The scheme would be operational from August 15.
Goa Electronics Limited (GEL) has been entrusted with the task of issuing smart cards and has been authorized to collect registration fees towards issue of these cards.
