Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Sonia to launch community health insurance scheme in Andhra

United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi would formally launch Rajiv Aarogyasri, a community health insurance scheme, in five more districts of Andhra Pradesh July 17.

She will also launch Aarogyasri-II in 18 districts, already covered under Aarogyasri-I, Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy announced Tuesday.

She will launch the schemes meant for people living below poverty line at a health camp at Ongole in Prakasam district.

Aarogyasri-II will provide for cashless treatment of all diseases that are not covered under the ongoing scheme and for which treatment is not available in government- hospitals.

Reddy, who reviewed the implementation of the scheme, said by Oct 2, 2008, the entire state would be covered by the total inclusive medical aid, whose components are Aarogyasri-I, Aarogyasri-II, '108' and '104' medical services.

The aid will be available to about 18.8 million BPL families, who comprise 90 of the total population.

Under Aarogyasri launched in March last year, people are treated free of cost for cancer, neuro, cardiac problems, renal, burns and accidents. The treatment also includes surgery.

The premium is Rs.330 per family and the entire amount is paid by the government.

The officials said scheme had become so popular that many other states were coming forward to replicate it.

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