Sitharaman reviews working of health workers' insurance scheme

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday chaired a meeting to review the implementation of the insurance scheme for health workers fighting Covid-19, as announced under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP).

The meeting, through video conferencing, was attended by senior officials from Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the New India Assurance Company Ltd.

A presentation was made by the Chairman & Managing Director of New India Assurance providing details about the highlight of the scheme and its status of implementation as on date.

Officials from Ministry of Health & Family Welfare provided an overview of the mechanism being followed with states' nodal authorities to expedite the claims, also highlighting the issues being faced while reaching out to the family of deceased as well as obtaining the legal heir certificate.

Of the 147 intimations received till date, claim documents have been submitted for 87, out of which 15 have been paid, four approved for payment while 13 are under examination.

Further, a total of 55 claims have been found ineligible out of which 35 claims fall outside the scope of the cover like police personnel, municipal workers not related to hospitals, people from Education, Revenue Departments, etc. while another 20 claims submitted have the cause of death other than Covid-19 like cardiac arrest, etc.

During the meeting, the Finance Minister highlighted the importance for a speedy settlement and the benefit reaching the nominees at the earliest.