Govt to modify DDSSY scheme

Porvorim: The Goa government has decided to modify the existing Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojna (DDSSY) Scheme by adding more procedures that require hospitalisation and high expenses as well as empanel more hospitals. The government has also mooted the possibility of extending the scheme benefit to government servants too.

Published on:

05 Aug 2017, 1:52 am

Team Herald

“In the past one year, the scheme has been successful and we have been receiving requests to increase the total procedures from the existing 447. We will do it but give us a little time. It is in the process and before the renewal of the scheme, we will include more procedures,” Health Minister Vishwajit Rane told the House during the Question Hour.

Replying to the question by legislator Nilesh Cabral, Rane further stated that he has been in discussion with Chief Minister M sanohar Parrikar to empanel more hospitals under the scheme. “Some hospitals have raised apprehensions like the payments. We are in talks with the hospitals and try to address their issues and negotiate on the payments. We will bring them on board,” he said pointing that more good hospitals are needed under the scheme.

Introduced in September 2016, a total of 2,16,690 beneficiaries are enrolled under the scheme till July 20, 2017.

In a written reply, Rane stated that while the scheme is not entitled for the government servants at present, the State is considering a proposal to enroll them. To another question on the premium paid by the government to the insurance company, Rane submitted that a total of 52.51 crore have been paid since the inception of the scheme. A total of 7346 claims have been settled under the scheme and 29 claims rejected.

Call centre for DDSSY scheme

PORVORIM: Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has assured to set up a call centre to disburse information about the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojna (DDSSY) Scheme to patients.

“We can definitely have a call centre to create awareness about who are entitled for the benefit, which procedures are covered under the scheme and related information,” he told the House.

He was replying to a question by legislator Nilesh Cabral that patients were forced to run from pillar to post due to lack of information. He also alleged that in several cases patients were not provided proper information about the scheme. “There could be some hiccups as this is the first ever scheme… I will examine it,” the minister assured.

Meanwhile, to another starred question by legislator Clefasio Dias, Rane informed the House that accident hotspots and new locations will soon be covered by 108 Ambulance service. “I have given a free hand to the 108 Ambulance to locate accident hot spots and place the Ambulances there. The response time is also being examined to accordingly park 108 Ambulances,” he said, adding, 14 more ambulances would be added to the fleet.