‘Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP): Insurance Scheme for Health Care Workers Fighting Covid-19’, which was launched on March 30, 2020, to provide comprehensive personal accident cover of Rs 50 Lakh to 22.12 lakh health care providers including community health workers and private health workers who may have been in direct contact and care of Covid-19 patients at risk of being impacted by this, has been extended w.e.f. October 21, 2021, for a further period of 180 days . The current period of the policy is ending on October 20, 2021.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic has still not abated and deaths of health workers deployed for Covid related duties are still being reported from different States/UTs, the insurance policy has been extended w.e.f. October 21, 2021, for a further period of 180 days to continue to provide the safety net to the dependents of health workers who are deputed to take care of Covid-19 patients. So far, 1,351 claims have been paid under the scheme, according to a PIB release.
A letter dt. October 20, 2021, to this effect has been issued to the Additional Chief Secretaries (Health)/Principal Secretaries (Health)/ Secretaries (Health) of all States/UTs for giving it wide publicity amongst the health workers in their respective States/UTs.
Further, on account of the unprecedented situation, private hospital staff/retired/ volunteer/local urban bodies/contract/daily wage/ad-hoc/outsourced staff requisitioned by states/central hospitals/autonomous hospitals of central/states/UTs, AIIMS & Institute of National Importance (INI)/hospitals of Central Ministries specifically drafted for care of Covid-19 patients are also covered under the PMGKP.