Goa govt hopes to cover 1 lakh households under health scheme

Panaji, Aug 18: After delaying the implementation of its ambitious health insurance scheme by a fortnight, Goa government expects to cover at least one lakh households under it by September 1.

The state government postponed the launch of Deen Dayal Swasth Seva Yojana (DDSSY) to September 1 from its earlier announced date of August 15.

"The number of cards available with the state-run Goa Electronic Limited (GEL) was not sufficient compared to the number of forms filled by the people due to which the scheme was postponed," State Health Secretary Sudhir Mahajan said.

The scheme which was announced earlier had 1.10 lakh families applying for the cards, of which only 50,000 cards were ready.

It prompted the government to reschedule the formal launch, he said. "By September 1, we will be able to generate at least one lakh cards under this scheme. The rest of the cards would be ready later," Mahajan said.

The scheme which was recently discussed on the floor of the House had drawn criticism as Opposition benches claimed that majority of the medical procedures covered under it were not conducted in Goa Medical College and Hospital.

Mahajan said the scheme has empanelled 20 private hospitals, majority in Goa and few outside the state, while audit of three to four more such facilities (hospitals) is in progress.

"Some super-speciality medical centre of excellence will be empanelled under DDSSY.The ceiling on insurance for the family of three and less is Rs 2.5 lakh and more than three is Rs 4lakh per annum," he said.

United India Insurance Limited has bagged the contract for the scheme, whose annual payment would depend on the claims made by the beneficiaries, he added.

The secretary stated that the high pocket expenses which used to financially pinch the people will be covered by this scheme, so that the beneficiary will have an option either to take treatment in state-run GMCH or opt for a private hospital.

PTI