Group Insurance for HIV/AIDS affected launched

Bangalore, Aug 13 (UNI) The India's first ever Group Insurance for people living with HIV, was launched here today.

The innovative initiative was supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) under Project Connect, a program designed to build Public Private Partnership (PPP) to combat HIV and Tuberculosis in the country.

The programe was initiated by Population Service International (PSI) in partnership with Star Health and Allied Insurance Company and the Karnataka Network for Positive People.

National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) Director General K Sujatha Rao speaking at a press conference after the launch, said according to a survey there are about 2.40 lakh HIV patients, including about 30,000 AIDs affected in the country. The Policy aims to cover all the patients and provide financial help for their treatment.

Star Insurance Managing Director V Jagannathan said the annual premium for Rs 30,000 policy was Rs 1500 but with PSI contributing 50 per cent the premium amount was Rs 750.

''We expect this initiative would not just pilot what kind of insurance schemes fit the needs of HIV patients, but also enable the private insurance sector to offer need-based community-led health insurance schemes,'' he added.

Mr Janannathan said we have the network of 4000 hospitals in the country, including 300 in Karnataka and a policy holder can take treatment in any part of the country in these hospitals.

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