Fourth phase of insurance cover to below poverty line families from June 1

ALLAHABAD: To offer health insurance cover to the families living under BPL (below poverty line) and labourers working in unorganized sectors in rural and urban areas, measures have been initiated for the enrollment of the fourth phase of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
While 41 districts of the state have been selected for offering SMART CARD to the beneficiaries, the enrollment work for the beneficiaries will begin in the district from June 1.The fourth phase, according to authorities, have been implemented to cover the target beneficiaries and for that officers of three prime insurance companies and state health officers have discussed the issues concerned before its implementation.
Deputy CMO Dr. Vivek Srivastava told TOI that ground health workers, known as ASHAs, have been given list of BPL families (beneficiaries) areas wise and teams have been to identify the exact number of beneficiaries. He added that as there are a total of 20 primary and community health centers, officials are working overtime to compile the required inputs.
For the promotion of the scheme, ASHAs would be offered rewards if they achieve the target of making SMART CARD. Similarly, senior health officers would be maintaining a strict watch and also giving instructions if required.
Under the scheme, the beneficiaries (insured families) would get an insurance cover (Rs 30,000) annually and a smart card by the insurance company, having detailed information of as many as members of the family, their thump impression and photos.
Dr Srivastava said best hospitals having upgraded medical facilities would be selected for empanelment. He added that the insurance company may provide some relief to the hospitals according to their wants.
On the time of availing facility, a smart card holder can approach the enlisted hospital to get the benefit of the scheme. The person would first have to show his smart card and he would have to be admitted at the hospital. The hospital authorities would offer him all sorts of facilities including transportation.
The health authorities have also included normal deliveries and caesarean operation (for first two babies) under the scheme. With the beginning of policy, the insurance cover would be given to mother and her child for the year automatically.
Since families coming under BPL status usually get themselves treated at government hospitals, the smart card holders would get the similar benefits at the government hospitals. Here, the amount package would be transferred into the account of patient welfare committee and this would also improve the financial status of hospitals.