Gujarat govt nod for farmers' health insurance programme

The largest private hospital group in Asia, Apollo Hospitals will start a health insurance programmes for state farmers' with the support of the state government.

The scheme is likely to go on steam in May, said Dr Alexander Kuruvilla, chief executive officer, Apollo Hospitals.

Under the scheme all surgical procedure would be free for farmers.

Kuruvilla said that state government have already given the nod for the project.

"In fact, I K Jadeja, minister for health and family welfare, has supported this unique project and assured help and support from the heath ministry."

"The uniqueness of the project is that a farmer will not have to come all the way to Ahmedabad to take the treatment or surgery.

We are tying up with local hospitals in every district so that local farmers get treated in their place itself.

Talks are on with government for funds and necessary help, he added.

Kuruvilla said that the first phase of the project is almost complete and the officials are now finalising the rules and designing of the project.

The Apollo Hospitals has tied up with Sita Travels for delivery of packages that comprise booking tickets, diagnose cost, surgery expenditure, medicines and other related things taking care by the travel agency.