Insurance Scheme for Health Care Workers fighting COVID-19

On March 29, 2020, the Government of India approved insurance scheme for health workers that are fighting against Corona Virus. The Scheme was announced under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package that was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman on March 26, 2020.

Key Features of the Scheme

Under the scheme, the health workers are to receive Rs 50 lakhs for 90 days of their service. On the whole a total of 22.12 lakh public health care providers have been selected under the scheme. This includes workers that have direct contact with patients infected with COVID-19. Also, it includes doctors, sanitation staff, paramedics, Asha workers and nurses.

ASHA Workers

ASHA workers are Accredited Social Health Activist. He or she is a community health worker working under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. ASHA workers are a part of the National Rural Health Mission that was launched in 2005.

IRDAI

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India is also on the verge of developing an insurance policy to cover COVID-19 infected patients at large.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2020