More than 2,000 beneficiaries coming under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) in the district availed health benefits under the Vajpayee Arogyasri Yojana, a flagship health insurance scheme of State Government.

District In-Charge and Medical Education Minister S.A. Ramdas, who formally launched the scheme, said that the beneficiaries could avail themselves of treatment for various health problems at the super-speciality hospitals identified under the scheme.

"The State government has identified 130 super-speciality hospitals across the State to provide health services to beneficiaries," he said and added that the Centre had set aside Rs. 10,000 crore for the health scheme for BPL card-holders.

A mega health camp under the scheme was organised on the occasion. Specialists from various super-speciality hospitals participated in the camp. Medicines were distributed free of cost to the deserving patients.

No more private practice for govt. doctors: Minister Ramdas said that henceforth, private practice by government doctors will be prohibited. "As per a new set of rules, the government doctors will be paid a non-practice allowance and their salaries too have been raised to Rs. One lakh per month," said Ramdas.

The programme was jointly organised by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, District Health and Family Welfare Department and Suvarna Arogya Trust.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. K.S. Ramegowda, delivered the key-note address.

Taluk Panchayat President Vijayalakshmi, Karnataka Exhibition Authority Chairman S.D. Mahendra, Trust President Dr. P. Boregowda, District Health Officer Dr. S.M. Malegowda, MMC&RI Dean Dr. Geetha Avadhani, K.R. Hospital Superintendent Dr. B.G. Sagar, Cheluvamba Hospital Superintendent Dr. Krishnamurthy and others were present.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore