Theflip-flop by the government on the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY) hasbeen a big setback for Covid patients who are seeking admission to empanelledprivate hospitals. This insurance scheme should be made self-sustaining as ameans of immediate succor to patients and their families. Consider that thisscheme has one lakh active contributors. If each family contributes Rs 300 perannum, then the state receives Rs 3 crore from this scheme. If only 5 percentof applicants from amongst all avail this facility, then 95 percent who are notclaiming any benefit even from other diseases are contributing and have thuspaid for the 5 percent who are availing of this facility. Based on actualfigures, the government could calculate and disburse it in such a way that thisscheme becomes self-sustaining at least during the pandemic. Expenses incurredmay be factored in accordingly.
