Government to Pay for Health Insurance of "divyang" mentally ill

Chhattisgarh government has adopted Centre's 'Niramaya' health insurance scheme for its population of 1.64 lakh people suffering from autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and 'divyang' (multiple disability). The insurance covers up to Rs 1 lakh wherein state would pay the premium for insurance.

The scheme would provide same coverage irrespective of type of disability under National Trust Act.

According to the scheme, services would range from regular medical check-up to hospitalisation and therapy to corrective surgery besides the transportation cost, at any hospital.

Speaking to TOI, social welfare department's secretary Sonmoni Bora said, "Chhattisgarh has over 1.6 lakh people falling under the four categories of mental retardation and 'divyangjan' (with disability). Government would bear premiums of all these people belonging to below poverty line under 'Niramaya' health insurance scheme. This would not only ease financial burden of poor families but also help them to take care and rehabilitate."

The needy are require to have a valid disability certificate as eligibility criteria for availing the service.