The state government is considering the inclusion of dialysis in Arogyasri scheme, Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader said.
He told reporters here on Monday that under Arogyasri scheme, treatment is being offered to people suffering from eight major diseases, including those related to heart, cancer, renal, burns, neonatal and neurological problems.
There is a plan to help patients undergo dialysis under Arogyasri twice a week free of cost, he added.
Khader said the state government is also planning to extend the benefits of Vajpayee Arogyasri scheme, which is already being offered to BPL card holders, to APL card holders as well.
“Although APL card holders are better off than their BPL counterparts, it is hard for them to spend money on treatments. It is a fact that the APL segment of people become BPL once they come out of hospitals after treatment. Considering this, the government wants to extend the facility to all. The Cabinet will take a decision in this regard in its next meeting,” the minister said.
Integrated Hospitals
Khader said the state government is considering to set up in each district one integrated hospital, where ayurvedic, allopathic, homeopathic, unani and naturopathy treatments will be made available. “The intention behind this move is to help people avail the treatment of their choice,” he added.
The minister promised additional incentives to accredited social health activists (ASHAs) from the state government.
If an ASHA is getting `2,000 per month from the Centre, the state government will offer an additional `2,000 acknowledging their service to the rural people, he said.
“Apart from this, they will get `250 if they admit a BPL patient under Arogyasri scheme and `350 if they admit an SC/ST patient who is a BPL card holder.
A decision in this connection will be taken by the Chief Minister soon,” the minister said.