Kozhikode: The Kerala government has a rethink on its recent order that deprived further insurance aid to old beneficiaries of the now defunct Karunya Benevolent Fund.
Amid unease among the needy sections, the state government has decided to withdraw the controversial order that deprived members of the new Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) from availing financial aid from the old Karunya Benevolent Fund (KBF) for further treatment.
Finance Minister Dr Thomas Isaac and Health Minister K K Shailaja said that the government would arrange for a special fund and provide the KBF benefits.
"An order issued by the Karunya administrative office without the knowledge of the finance department had caused confusion. This would be withdrawn and a new order would be issued," the finance minister said.
Those who have sought treatment from the KBF cannot be given funds from the KASP. But their further treatment should not be stalled.
“The administrator's order is likely to cause confusion,” he said. The finance minister informed that he checked the order after reading about it in Manorama and that he immediately asked for it to be withdrawn.
If those part of the KBF seek treatment at recognised hospitals, then the money would be given to the hospital from a special fund.
If any of the hospital were to deny treatment, then the health department would take stringent action. The finance department can furnish as much funds as needed.
The minister also said that medical aid for hemophilia patients would be continued.
Heath Minister K K Shailaja also said that the finance minister had informed that the controversial order from the finance department would be withdrawn.
Medical aid from the KBF can be availed till next March 31. She said that she has held discussions with the finance department and confirmed it.
MEDISEP: Retired couples should give both their shares
Thiruvananthapuram: The state government has slapped double health insurance on those couples who have retired from service.
The government has ordered that all those who are part of the Medical Insurance Scheme for State Employees and Pensioners (MEDISEP) should pay the premium. Of the 5.80 lakh pensioners, about one lakh are couples. Now, both the husband and the wife would have to pay the premium of Rs 250.
Even though the insurance cover includes the spouse, no one has been exempted from the MEDISEP scheme, putting the couples in a fix. Pensioners are given Rs 300 as medical allowance. Of this, Rs 250 would be taken as premium and the remaining Rs 50 would be given along with the pension.
The pensioners' children who are suffering from mental or physical challenges would also be included in the insurance cover. The other children would not be considered, irrespective of their age. The parents of the pensioners have also been exempted.
Even though those couples who are in service are also required to pay the double premium.
Employees can reimburse their OP treatment expenses. However, even that is denied for pensioners.