THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday launched Norka Care, a group medical claim and accident insurance plan rolled out by Norka Roots with the support of the state government.
Describing it as the first initiative of its kind in the country, the chief minister said the scheme would come into effect on November 1, making it a Kerala Piravi gift to the state’s expatriate community and their families.
“Many non-resident Keralites (NRKs) holding Pravasi ID cards have already begun enrolling. The government is committed to ensuring every possible support to Keralites abroad,” he said.
The scheme offers cashless treatment at around 500 hospitals in Kerala and 16,000 across India. It covers pre-existing illnesses and requires no medical check-up. Senior citizens up to the age of 70 are eligible, with premiums pegged at among the lowest in the market, the CM added.
Highlighting the state’s continued support for expatriates, Pinarayi said, “We respect the contributions of the NRI community. The government has allocated Rs 150 crore for various NRI welfare schemes, including Pravasi legal aid and the Norka job portal. This insurance plan was mooted during the Loka Kerala Sabha, and while treatment is currently available in India, steps are under way to extend medical cover abroad as well.”
In a lighter vein, he quipped that the overwhelming participation at the launch itself showed acceptance of the programme -- an oblique reference to the controversy over turnout at the recent Global Ayyappa Sangamam.
Finance Minister K N Balagopal termed Norka Care a new chapter in Kerala’s history, noting the challenges faced by the expatriate community, including protests in the UK and H-1B visa concerns.
“The government stands firmly with Keralites abroad and will continue to expand support,” he said.
Norka Roots resident vice chairman P Sreeramakrishnan, director O V Musthafa, NRIs, and senior government officials were present at the function.