PANAJI
The much-hyped health insurance scheme, Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY), finally got off the block on Thursday after consent letters were issued to empanelled hospitals.
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar along with Health Minister Francis D’Souza launched the scheme with the hope of covering the entire population. With this, Goa now has the distinction of being the first State in the country to provide health cover for all residents.
Speaking at the launch, Parsekar said there was need for more hospitals from outside the State to be empanelled under the scheme, especially in the field of oncology. “We are in talks with hospitals like Tata Memorial for cases of oncology”, he said.
Admitting to teething problems, Parsekar said, “the scheme is unique and will need to be improved over time. There were problems in the past that we have rectified; there may be problems in the future which will also be addressed”.
D’Souza emphasised the importance of the scheme saying it would provide a level playing field for both government and private hospitals.
“Both sectors will have to provide good facilities and quality service to beneficiaries. Currently, there is no fault with the scheme, the only hitch would be the operational aspect”, he said.
Secretary (health) Sudhir Mahajan who was also present for the launch urged people to collect their cards. “Around 1,67,000 forms have been filled, over a lakh have been printed but only 60,000 have been distributed”, he said.
Among others, the empanelled hospitals include Rajagiri Victor Hospital, Healthway Hospitals, Royal Hospital, Campal Clinic, Pai Hospital, Campal Clinic, Menzes Polyclinic, Vrundavan Hospital and Manipal Hospital. In addition, Goa Scan centre and Goa Antibiotics and Pharmaceuticals Ltd (GAPL) have also been awarded consent letters.
