Southern States - Kerala   

Health insurance scheme inaugurated

By Our Staff Reporter

KAYAMKULAM Nov. 16. Lack of sufficient funds and absence of basic facilities in various Government hospitals in the State are coming in the way of ensuring health security to all, the Union Minister of State for Defence, O. Rajagopal, has said.

Inaugurating the Universal Health Insurance Scheme of the Union Government at the NSS Auditorium, Choolatheruvu, this evening, Mr. Rajagopal, said the Union Government could not directly intervene in health affairs, since it was a State subject.

It was in this context that Centre introduced the health insurance scheme, said Mr. Rajagpoal.

The universal health insurance scheme being implemented through the National Insurance Company, with the held of DAWN, an NGO, would cost only Re. 1 for a person as premium per day for an insurance coverage for an year, said the Union Minister.

Mr. Rajagopal said the scheme would be implemented with the help of non-government organisations. He also requested the cooperation of the State Governments in implementing the scheme.

``Though the Union Government had a large number of welfare schemes, few eligible persons know about it,'' said Mr. Rajagopal. "Kudumbashree units and NGOs should take the responsibility of making the public aware of the schemes,'' said Mr. Rajagopal.

Mr. Rajagopal claimed the welfare programmes launched by the Union Government had succeeded to a great extent in bringing about food security.

The Union Minister said the Government would provide home to all homeless in the country by 2010.

As many as two lakh homes would be built every year for the homeless in 13 lakh villages in the country, the Minster said.

Ramesh Chennithala, MP, presided over the function.

Those who spoke included T. K. Devakumar, MLA. The DAWN chairman, Biju, welcomed the gathering.

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