Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Tuesday that the Himachal Pradesh government will introduce a new health insurance policy providing health cover up to Rs 10 lakh to poor families.
Chairing a meeting of the health department in Shimla, Sukhu said the state government was set to introduce a new health insurance policy to ensure access to quality healthcare for economically weaker families across Himachal Pradesh.
Under the proposed policy, poor families would receive health insurance coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh at a highly affordable premium, he said in a statement issued here.
He added that with this pioneering initiative, Himachal Pradesh would become the first state in the country to offer such a comprehensive health insurance scheme at a nominal premium.
The chief minister said that nearly 10 lakh families from various sections of society would be brought under the ambit of the new policy.
Leading multi-speciality and tertiary care hospitals would also be empanelled under the scheme to ensure that these families were not deprived of advanced medical treatment due to economic constraints.
Sukhu noted that the policy had been designed to provide equitable access to quality healthcare for every eligible citizen and the initiative would enable patients to avail timely, efficient and hassle-free diagnostic services.
The chief minister said that the state government was strengthening healthcare infrastructure in district hospitals and all government medical colleges to ensure that people receive quality medical treatment closer to their homes.
He directed the officers to ensure procurement of all medical equipment in accordance with the standards prescribed by AIIMS, New Delhi.
