BANGALORE: Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader on Wednesday said that the government has decided to extend the Vajpayee Arogyasri Health Scheme to Above Poverty Line (APL) families. At present, Below Poverty Line (BPL) families come under the ambit of the scheme.
Khader said that the Cabinet has given its nod and the scheme would be extended to APL card holders from the second week of December.
Under this scheme, beneficiaries can avail treatment in about 165 hospitals across the state.
The scheme covers medical services up to a maximum cost of `1.50 lakh. State government would bear 70 per cent of the treatment cost if the beneficiary avails the services in a general ward and 50 per cent of the cost if the beneficiary uses a special ward.
The scheme covers treatment for 469 types of ailments, including cardiac, neuro, cancer and neonatal care. Last year about 35,000 people availed the benefits of the scheme and this year it is expected to help 45,000 people. The state government has set aside `210 crore for the scheme, Khader added.