Sonia to launch 'Rajiv Arogya Sri' in Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad, July 17 : Congress President Sonia Gandhi will launch the second phase of 'Rajiv Arogya Sri', a health insurance programme for the poor, at Nellore in Andhra Pradesh today.

The programme is being implemented in 13 districts and the second phase will cover five more districts.

With this, over 90 per cent of the poor in the State, holding white ration cards, will have access to free medical treatment for 887 identified diseases in all the districts of the State. The eligible families can avail free treatment at 320 identified private and government hospitals.

Out of the Rs 950 crore needed for implementing the scheme, Rs 450 crore was proved in the 2008-09 budgets while the remaining amount was approved by the cabinet on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the cabinet gave its nod for the launch of '104 service' across the state under which patients can obtain doctors' advice over telephone on a toll-free number.

The scheme will be implemented throughout the state from September.

ANI