Mangalore: U.T Khader, state minister for Health and Family Welfare inaugurated a new health insurance scheme “Jyothi Sanjeevini” for government employees by handing over a copy of the government’s order to Jnanesh, Education officer, Mangalore.

The occasion also marked the celebration of Teacher’s day which was held at AB Shetty Memorial hall, on September 5.

U.T. Khader said that free medical treatment will be provided only to government employees and their family members, eligible under the scheme. The scheme covers 447 different treatments and seven diseases, including cancer. The employees can get treatments in 147 network hospitals across the State.

He also promised to extend this scheme even to the teachers of aided and non-aided schools under Sarwa Shiksha Abhiyan, in the future days.

However, the Health Minister did not say if the state government would withdraw the facility of medical reimbursement to the employees, once the scheme is implemented.

In fact, it is said that the scheme will not only help employees get free medical treatment, but put a full stop to the practice of submitting fake bills to seek medical reimbursement. Instead, the government will directly reimburse money towards treatment to the hospital.

Education officer Jnanesh thanked Health Minister for sanctioning the insurance scheme to the government employees and also asked to extend it to all the teachers belonging to the aided and non-aided schools.

ZP Vice President Satish Kumpala, Mangalore Taluk Panchayat President Rajani, CEO of Mangalore Taluk Panchayat Vishwanatha Poojari were among the present at the occasion.