By Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (RD/CN)

Udupi, Dec 16: The National Health Insurance Scheme needs to be extended to labourers engaged in unorganized sector, said ZP president Katpady Shankar Poojary. Shankar Poojary was speaking after distributing the first health card under the scheme in the district to a beneficiary on Thursday December 15.

“‘Bidi’ labourers, construction workers, domestic staff, and the poorest of the poor deserve to be covered in the next stage,” urged Poojary. The premiums under the scheme are borne by state and union governments at 25:75 ratios respectively.  The five members of the cardholder’s family are entitled to cashless treatment annually up to Rs 30,000 in selected hospitals.Gracy Machado presided over the programme.

TP president Devdas Hebbar and members Ganesh and Girish were the chief guests on the occasion.
The district labour officer K G Johnson welcomed the gathering.  Rajesh K Jadhav proposed the vote of thanks and B R Kumar compered the programme.