THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major initiative expected to benefit about 42 lakh families in Kerala, the Cabinet on Wednesday has decided to implement the ‘Sampoorna Arogya Keralam’ project. The total health project would bring together different schemes in the health sector under one umbrella to ensure that the beneficiaries get financial aid up to Rs 2 lakh. The Arogya Keralam project, which was part of the last budget, would cover families in the income group of less than Rs 3 lakh per annum. CM would head a monitoring trust, responsible for the implementation of the project.
The government also decided to create a corpus fund of Rs 20 crore and set up a separate head of account for the Sampoorna Arogya Keralam project.
Currently, financial support for treatment is given under schemes like Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, Samagra Arogya Insurance Project, CHIS Plus, Arogya Kiranam, Karunya Benevolent Fund, Thalolam, Cancer Protection Scheme and project under various welfare boards.
The procedure for giving financial aid differs in each of these schemes, increasing the chances of irregularities. “That’s the reason why the government has taken such a decision, and bring all these schemes together,” said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. “Various financial aid schemes will be coordinated through a smart card. The IT platform currently being used by the Arogya Sree Trust in Telangana will be used for the same,” said Chandy.
The project would be implemented after inking an agreement with a network of hospitals which have been included under the RSBY and Karunya Benevolent Fund schemes. Other than the 32 lakh families who come under the RSBY, CHIS and CHIS Plus schemes would have to submit an income certificate issued from the revenue department as a one-time procedure.
A technical council would also be set up to look into the treatment and procedures to be followed under the scheme. The recommendation of the council would go to the monitoring trust for final approval.
The expense for treatment and other procedures would be calculated as per the existing market rates. The rates would be periodically revised through reverse bidding process.
Each eligible family would get financial benefit worth Rs 1.5 lakh per year. Under extraordinary situations, special sanction would be given for issuing additional benefit of Rs 50,000. However, financial support given under schemes like free cancer treatment up to 18 years and other existing financial aid under various schemes would be continued even if the amount exceeds Rs 2 lakh.
Reaching out
■ Treatment cost will be calculated as per existing market rates
■ Financial aid up to Rs 2 lakh
■ It will cover families in the income group of less than Rs 3 lakh per annum
■ In-patients to be supported for 10 more days after discharge