New Delhi, Jun 1 (IANS): The Union Government has decided to start a new system for approval of insurance claims under 'Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package' (PMGKP) for health workers fighting Covid-19.

The Union Health Ministry said. "In order to cut down on these delays and to further streamline and simplify the processing of the insurance claims, it has been decided to start a new system for approval of claims as per which the due diligence will be done by State Governments at the level of District Collector."

"The District Collector in each case will be certifying that the claim is in accordance with SoP of the Scheme. On the basis of this certificate of the Collector, Insurance Company will approve and settle the claims within a period of 48 hours. Further, for the sake of uniformity and prompt disposal, the District Collector will also do due diligence and certify the claims even in case of Central Government hospitals/AIIMS/Railways etc," the Ministry said.

The Union Government had already extended the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) insurance scheme for health workers fighting Covid-19 for one year with effect from April 24 this year.

"Safety of the frontline healthcare providers remains the top priority of the Central Government and therefore the Central Government had revived this insurance policy for a period of one year so as to continue to provide the safety net to the dependents of health workers, who are deputed to take care of Covid patients," the Ministry said.

The PMGKP insurance scheme for health workers fighting Covid was launched on March 30 last year initially for a period of 90 days to provide comprehensive personal accident cover of Rs 50 lakh to all healthcare providers, including community health workers and private health workers drafted by the government for the care of Covid-19 patients and for those who may have come in direct contact of Covid patients and were at risk of being impacted by it.

The scheme is being implemented through New India Assurance Company (NIACL). The insurance policy has been extended twice so far.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has informed all States Governments and UT Administrations about this new system which comes into effect immediately.