“Nobody should die for want of money”, is the simple philosophy behind the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) latest and most ambitious project — a health insurance scheme to cover every citizen of the Capital.
All set to be rolled out by early next year, a person who opts for the scheme will have a Rs. 10 lakh security net where treatment can be availed at government and empanelled private hospitals in the city.
The scheme will be brought under the Society for Universal Healthcare in Delhi, a registered body now, the government is in the final preparatory stage.
Ambitious plan
“The idea is very simple: we want to ensure that Delhiites, most of whom pay for medical expenses out of their own pocket, are not left high and dry. The government is planning to offer Rs. 10 lakh cover to all beneficiaries in return for a small premium. For those from the economically weaker section (EWS), the government will pay the premium. This will provide a much-needed health cushion to the poor,” senior health official Dr. R.N. Dass told the The Hindu .
Mr. Dass said that the department has already opened a Request For Qualification (RFQ) to shortlist insurance companies who can bid for the scheme.
This will be followed by finalisation and a short cooling-off period before being rolled out for the general public.
“We are very excited about this project, which is aimed at benefitting the poorest of the poor in the Capital,” added Dr. Dass.
Giving details of the project, Mr. Dass said that the scheme will cover everything from accidents to common diseases and life-threatening conditions.
The scheme will run parallel with the Delhi Arogya Kosh (offering financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh for treatment in government hospitals) and Delhi Arogya Nidhi (offering financial assistance of Rs. 1.5 lakh for treatment in government hospitals) and is aimed at bridging the gaps in these programmes. Those with other insurance covers — government or private — can also opt for the scheme.
According to officials, the project will cost an estimated Rs. 500 crore annually and the companies that apply for the initial screening for the project, will have to identify the packages they can cover.
Senior health officials said that they are looking for packages the offer cover for cancer, heart and brain-related ailments. The aim is to ensure that patients walk in for treatment with their card, avail services and return home after treatment without spending any money.
“That is the scenario we are hoping for. We have taken the first step towards this dream and am sure that we will be able to give the best to Delhiites,” said an official.
The scheme will cover accidents, common diseases
and life-threatening conditions
