Date:11/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/05/11/stories/2006051101611900.htm

Back Plea to take action against insurance co

Our Bureau

Kochi , May 10

The General Insurance Officers All India Association has asked the authorities to take action against a private insurance company for not implementing the Kerala Government sponsored health insurance scheme for the poor.

Even before the launch of the scheme, which was meant to reimburse hospitalisation claims up to Rs 30,000 from 25 lakh below poverty line families, the association had expressed reservations whether the private insurer was capable of servicing the scheme. The premium amount for the scheme was a meagre Rs 99, along with a Union Government subsidy of Rs 300.

"The health insurance scheme was awarded to the newly entered private insurer avoiding the four PSU insurance companies, who have a vast experience of 35 years," Mr P.P. Mohanan, General Secretary of the Association, said.

He also recalled that in August 2005, Fertiliser and Chemicals Travancore Ltd's fire insurance was entrusted to another private insurer who had quoted a lower premium. FACT had to finally re-tender the scheme.

While going for insurance covers, the Government should consider the previous history and track record of the insurers, Mr Mohanan said.