Punjab govt approves medical insurance scheme

Chandigarh, Dec 15 (UNI) The Punjab government today approved the implementation of medical insurance scheme for the poor (BPL) in the state.

This decision was taken at a cabinet meeting held here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.

Under the scheme the total rural and urban BPL population of about 22,22040, representing 4.44 lakh BPL families would be covered for the treatment of all medical/surgical diseases requiring minimum 24 hours hospitalisation up to an expenditure of Rs one lakh per year per beneficiary/family on floater basis.

The beneficiary would be required to pay Rs 100 per annum per family while, the remaining premium of Rs 500 per annum would be paid by the state government.

The Cabinet also approved the supply of free electricity to non SS, BPL domestic consumers. Under this the government would provide Rs 120 crore free domestic electricity connections to the BPL families up to 200 units per family having the connected load of 1000 watts with effect from December 1.

The Cabinet also approved the supply of free electricity to SC domestic consumers waiving off octroi, meter rent, MCB rents and service charges.

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