The Hindu : National : ‘Arogya Raksha Yojana’ launched in backward taluks

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Saturday, Dec 29, 2007
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‘Arogya Raksha Yojana’ launched in backward taluks

Staff Correspondent

65 people enrol as beneficiaries of the scheme

Sponsors include Biocon Foundation, Narayana Hrudayala
Sevashram to meet premiums of the poor

TUMKUR: “Arogya Raksha Yojana” was launched here on Friday for the benefit of people of backward taluks of Madhugiri and Pavagada in Tumkur district.

Nearly 350 people, many are members of various Stree Shakti self-help groups, attended the programme. Sixty-five of them enrolled themselves as beneficiaries of the scheme. They were given “Arogya Raksha” cards.

Ramakrishna Sevashram’s Swami Vivekananda Integrated Rural Health Centre here, and Biocon Foundation and Narayana Hrudayala of Bangalore are the sponsors of the Arogya Raksha Yojana.

President of the sevashram Swami Japananda, chairperson of the foundation Rani Desai, and chief of Narayana Hrudayalaya Devi Shetty will be the trustees of the scheme.

Sri Japananda Swamiji said anybody could enrol as a beneficiary by remitting an annual premium of Rs.120. The premium for a family of three members was Rs. 450. It would be Rs. 480 for a four-member family.

The swamiji said the sevashram’s health centre would refer the complicated cases to Narayana Hrudayala for treatment, which would be at subsidised rates. The sevashram would meet the premiums of the poor.

Ms. Desai said the Biocon Foundation would support the healthcare projects of the sevashram.

Tumkur District Principal and Sessions Judge P. Krishna Bhat, who launched the scheme, lauded the services of the sevashram in the State and in Andhra Pradesh.

G. Venkataramaiah, doctor from Pavagada, said the scheme was a boon to the people of both the taluks.

V.K. Shivakumar, expert in Women and Child Health, was present.

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