KOCHI: An 'Aawaz' cell was launched at Aluva railway station to ensure health insurance for migrant labourers here. This is the first such centre at a railway station, and will enable migrant labourers to apply for the health insurance right on arrival.
The card is aimed at ensuring health care through free insurance to all the migrant labourers who come in search of work to the state. After the launch on Thursday, 120 cards were distributed and in the following days, more than 70 cards were distributed every day. Workers aged between 18 and 60 can be members in the project. The card holders will get Rs 15,000 worth free treatment and accident insurance worth Rs 2 lakh. They will get cashless service through biometric cards.
The centre functions from 9 am to 8 pm, and is open on Sundays. They can avail treatment till the amount on the card is finished.The centre has five employees to guide the migrant labourers on the scheme. If the rush increases, the centre will start a 24-hour service.
To avail the Aawaz card, one has to provide their Aadhar card or any other valid identity card, and the card will be provided in five minutes.The Aluva railway station was chosen, as migrants arrive here in large numbers. Till now, the Aawaz project was undertaken with the centre's going to migrant labour camps.