SMU launches health scheme

GANGTOK, 31 Jan: ‘Sikkim Manipal Swasthya Suraksha’, a health scheme, was launched at Central Referral Hospital, Tadong today. The scheme is meant for the people of Sikkim and especially designed to provide the latest and quality healthcare facilities to the people of Sikkim, which are not only affordable but accessible as well.
Informing about the scheme, Medical Superintendent, CRH, Dr. Shamsher Singh said that this scheme is basically for people who cannot afford to pay for treatment especially specialized treatment. This scheme will cover hospitalization expenses in General Ward only at CRH and only those who do not qualify for any other hospitalization benefits provided by the State Government are eligible, he said.
Mentioning about the aims of this scheme, Dr Singh said that it seeks to cater to those not covered by any other health scheme. In fact, this scheme will cover the excluded but vulnerable population hitherto not covered under any scheme, he said, and also added that, this scheme is a noble initiative of SMU to assist the Sikkim Government in providing liabilities arising out of health setbacks.
Adding further, Dr Sing said that SMU has been playing a pro-active role in the socio-economic growth of Sikkim and its people, especially in the education and health care sectors since its inception. “We are trying to contact different social groups and NGOs, to connect to those who are not covered by any government scheme”, he added.
Similarly, Vice-Chancellor, SMU, Brig. Dr. Somnath Mishra, in turn, said that, this scheme is a unique initiative of SMU which provides universal health care benefits to the people. “In fact, it is one of its kind health care scheme to be launched anywhere in the country, and I ensure that SMU will continue to strive in its efforts to support the Government and be a partner to its development as well”, he added.
“CRH is poised to be a major health care provider in the entire North-East region of the country”, said the VC.
The highlights of the scheme are the cashless facility, entry age-no limit, coverage upto Rs. 1, 50,000 on a family floater basis [family of five members]. The enrollment of beneficiaries starts from 01 February 2014 and will continue till the last week of February. Applicants need to bring an Aadhar Card and have to pay Rs. 800 annually for the health card which is valid for one year.
The function was also attended by the Prof. Dr. Ashish Sharma [Registrar, SMU], Air Marshal [Retd] Dr. GS Joneja, SMIMS, Brig. Dr. Somnath Mishra, Insurance Consultant, SMSS, Pompy Sridhar including PRO, Sarikah Atreya.