Panaji: Goa`s new BJP-led government has
decided to review the universal mediclaim scheme, which was
approved last year and handed over to ICICI Lombard Ltd for
implementation.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has proposed to
increase the health insurance cover under the government-
sponsored scheme from Rs 60,000 to Rs 2 lakh annually.
Health Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said the government
will re-invite ICICI Lombard to submit their rates as per the
revised estimates.
"If they are okay with the revised rates, then they
will continue or we will have to invite fresh bids for the
scheme," he said.
The then Digambar Kamat-led government had introduced
the scheme, Swarnajayanti Arogya Bima Yojna, which entitled
each family in the state to a cashless medical treatment up to
Rs 60,000 annually.
The health plan, which provided for meeting expenses
of hospitalisation for medical and/or surgical procedure,
aimed to cover 3.2 lakh families in Goa.
The scheme had earned criticism as the health cover
was not considered enough given the escalating medical costs.
The government had prescribed a tariff for each of the
private hospitals which were roped in to provide medical
services under the plan. However, private hospitals did not
agree to the tariffs and had sought a revision.
Parsekar said all stakeholders would be taken into
confidence before finalising the scheme. "Government will not
take any unilateral decision."
PTI
