Apollo Victor launches affordable healthcare cover

A healthcare scheme, Medi Access, which offers comprehensive and affordable healthcare solutions, was launched by the Apollo Victor Hospitals at Margao on Saturday.

Addressing a press conference here in Panaji, Victor Albuquerque, chairman of the Alcon Victor group, said, "The scheme will provide high-quality treatment to those who are unable to pay for speciality health facilities."

The scheme covers a family of four to six members up to a period of three years and makes cashless hospitalisation possible to all in the age group of three months to 65 years. There are two schemes - standard and comprehensive membership.

Under the standard scheme, on a one-time payment of Rs 5,000, a family of four will be covered for a sum of Rs 50,000 per annum for a period of three years. For more than four members - up to a maximum of six members - an additional 20 per cent of the original cost (Rs 5,000) will have to be made for each additional member.

Under the comprehensive membership scheme, on a one-time payment of Rs 12,500, the family will be covered for a sum of Rs 1,50,000 per annum for a period of three years. The scheme will cover pre-existing diseases and also maternity, said Albuquerque. It will be applicable only in the case of hospitalised patients and not for day-care, he said.

The medical facilities, which will be available under the scheme, include cardiology, trauma, all types of surgery, gastroenterology, urology, minimal access surgery, neurology, obstetrics and gynaecology, orthopaedics.

The exception for the scheme includes sexually transmitted diseases (STD), dentistry and plastic surgery.

Under the comprehensive scheme, angioplasty, angiography, bypass surgery, neurosurgery and other specialities will also be covered.

"In addition, there is 20 per cent concession on diagnosis and laboratory services and 5 per cent discounts on pharmacy bills. Maternity services are covered up to Rs 25,000 per year. The scheme will be beneficial to all families, especially to those individuals who are away from the state and are anxious about the health of their families back home," Albuquerque said.

This is a non-profit venture of the Apollo Victor Hospitals, and all additional costs will be borne by it, he said. "This is a social commitment made by the Apollo Victor Hospitals," he said.

The Oriental Insurance Company is the insurance provider for the scheme.