The National Health Insurance Scheme launched in February 2010, for Below Poverty Line families in Karnataka, has failed to gain momentum, as per industry reports.
Under this health insurance scheme smart cards were issued to families working in the unorganized sector, for an annual premium of Rs. 30. The remaining amount would be paid by the Centre and State Government. Initial reach was 5 districts namely Dakshin Kannada, Belgaum, Bangalore Rural, Shimoga, and Mysore covering a population of 20 lakh. The aim was to provide a cashless facility of up to Rs. 30,000 to cover the head of the family, spouse, and 3 dependents (including children).
Hospitals surveyed have cited a few reasons such as a lack of adequate training for staff for using the card reading equipment. Most of the time the cards are turned down because the card holders’ identity cannot be verified as a result of a mismatch in the fingerprints or due to poor quality of stored photographs. Most of the time card holders are turned away as a result of software malfunction. Also, there is a lack of awareness amongst the BPL families regarding the scheme and coverage. Poor communication between the hospital staff and the parties is also a major constraint.
The survey was led by Professor D. Rajasekhar, Head, of the Centre for Decentralisation and Development at Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC). He is of the opinion that there is an urgent need for communication between hospitals and parties. The annual renewal date of the policy is close and unless corrective actions have been taken, cardholders may find that renewing may not be worth the cost.
