Odisha govt gets tough with hospitals harassing health insurance beneficiaries

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, May 13:

The Odisha government has decided to initiate criminal proceedings against some hospitals in the state for harassing beneficiaries under Biju Krushak Kalyan Yojana (BKKY) and Rastriya Swathya Bima Yojana (RSBY).

A decision to this effect was taken at a high level review meeting on the status of these two health insurance schemes presided over by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the State Secretariat here today.

The Chief Minister directed the Health department to serve show cause notices to these erring hospital authorities and if necessary, initiate criminal proceedings against them.

The meeting also discussed the progress in the formation of a special directorate for proper implementation of the health insurance schemes.

Stating that the state government has introduced the health insurance scheme to provide better health services to the poor people, the Chief Minister underscored the need for a regular review on the performance of the help desks set up in the hospitals for this purpose. He also informed officials that he would review the status of the scheme every two months.

It was revealed that more than 55 lakh farmer families in the state have been included in BKKY while the state government has spent over Rs 26 crore for their treatment under the scheme.

Besides, over 44 lakh farmer families have been included under RSBY while the Centre has provided Rs 108.46 crore for their treatment.

Among others, Health and Family Welfare minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, chief secretary GC Pati, additional chief secretary to Chief Minister, additional chief secretary, Finance, principal secretaries of Health and Family Welfare and Agriculture and the Labour commissioner were present at the meeting.