Cashless Medical Treatment For AP Govt Staff

The Andhra Pradesh government on Sunday announced a "cashless health card" scheme, for all its employees. The announcement which came in the form of a Diwali gift to its employees, will reportedly be the first of its kind in the country.

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy approved the scheme, under which free health services will be provided to 14 lakh employees, pensioners and their family members.

The scheme is said to benefit a total of about 70 lakh people, according to a statement by the chief minister's office.

The medical scheme will reportedly require Rs. 400 crore every year.

While 60% of this amount will be borne by the government, 40% will be the employee/pensioner's contribution.

Monthly contribution from the employees/pensioners will be Rs. 90 to Rs. 120 depending on the pay scale.

The scheme will cover about 1,885 procedures, in both private and government hospitals all over the state.

The CM took the decision after a review meeting with Finance Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Health Minister Kondru Murali, Chief Secretary P K Mohanty and other officials.

The CM said that the employee health scheme card is to enable provision of easy and hassle-free treatment.

He also said that the scheme will be reviewed after 6 months if necessary, and shortcomings will be resolved, and additional treatments will be added.

The main objective of the scheme is to provide healthcare to the state government employees, pensioners and their dependent family members through a cashless, seamless and transparent scheme.

Aarogyasri Healthcare Trust will implement the Scheme, and a steering committee headed by the Chief Secretary will monitor the scheme from time to time.

Families living below poverty line in the state, are already enjoying free healthcare in corporate hospitals under the Rajiv Arogyasri scheme.