Dear Editor,
The need for introduction of medical insurance scheme for senior citizens in the country by Govt was reported by way of many write ups , followed up at regular intervals and circulated through other magazines/ papers across the country as well. The aim was to create public awareness for launch of a scheme by Govt or through public or private insurance companies for senior citizen category, so as to meet escalating cost of medical treatment by those who were in dire need of such facility, even by sharing the reasonable partial premium by elders themselves, if necessary.
Pertinent to mention, the issue was also highlighted much before and post both state and parliamentary elections and all political parties were requested by way of an appeal for inclusion of this well being measure as an agenda point in their election manifesto.
An appeal was also sent to our Prime Minister together with copies to other Ministers ( Dr. Jitender Singh, Union Minister and to Union Health Minister Harshvardhan) in April 2014 conveying that there is a genuine feeling of elderly populace of country for launch of special scheme need to be considered to alleviate their suffering , who have given golden period of their life for benefit of society , but at the fag end of active service are deprived of a reasonable provision of medical cover towards cost of major ailments due to complicated and inflexible norms fixed by insurance companies. May be some other NGOs/ writers/ associations are too engaged in this task openly or behind the scene!
Ours is a big country. We are quite aware that how in our setup things get moved at snail’s pace because of none-too-serious approach or will of our political masters and bureaucracy on such matters in the past. We also know that all those who are supposed to deal with the issues are part of society and shall not know or do any better, unless we pursue with vigour and voice.
However, under new dispensation, the present Govt seems to be serious enough to take measures for launching healthcare welfare scheme for senior citizens of the country. This issue has reached at a stage that is now under active consideration at PM Office. In fact, the reporting of above news item from TOI report (Mumbai edition) dt 22th May 2015 has given hopes that Acche Din for senior citizens are definitely under consideration by the present Govt.
It is gratifying to learn that “Central Govt is set to launch a healthcare scheme for senior citizens as part of its social security initiative. The scheme would be funded through unclaimed deposits available with the Govt. for which the law has already been amended as part of the budget exercise.
The amendment will enable the Govt to tap a couple of thousand crores for the healthcare scheme. They will work out a threshold and people beyond that would be covered by the healthcare scheme.
In the absence of access to Govt. medical facilities, healthcare is seen as a crucial missing link for senior citizens who have to rely on family members to take care of them in old age.
Yes, if we all keep on our efforts, hopefully the result will be assured for early launch of a scheme under ambit of Acche din for senior citizens. A simple way- our readers too can contribute greatly for this cause. A little time or some influence locally through ruling political party at any centre will help persuasion and pressure to authorities at Delhi, to bring cheers on the face of senior citizens.
P. K MAM
Shankar Vihar Tallb Tilloo, Jammu
