Bangalore: Devi Shetty, cardiac surgeon of Narayana Hrudayalaya, has put before the Government a proposal to introduce a health scheme for schoolteachers in the State.

He discussed the modalities of the scheme, which is similar to the Yeshaswini scheme, with Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Basavaraj S. Horatti here on Friday.

Under the scheme, over two lakh teachers of government and aided schools will be covered. It is a first health scheme which would cover pre-existing diseases. "This scheme covers medical treatment and surgeries, unlike the Yeshaswini scheme," Dr. Shetty told presspersons.

Under the scheme, a four-member teacher's family can utilise the benefits. A health card will be issued to each covered member of the family.

Two options are available under the scheme — coverage of only surgical treatment and coverage of hospitalisation for treatment.

Hospitals

Network hospitals will be identified based on definite parameters.

The network hospitals will be identified at the taluk and district level, with super speciality hospitals at the State level.

The list of network hospitals will be provided to all schools. The teachers will have the freedom to go to any network hospital in the State.

It has been proposed to collect Rs. 100 each month, which could be deducted from the teachers' salary. "A similar scheme is under early stages of implementation in West Bengal," Dr. Shetty added.

Mr. Horatti said he would have to discuss the modalities of the scheme with the Legal Department before taking a decision on its implementation.

"It is a very good proposal. The legal matters will have to first be settled before we go in for implementation," the Minister said.

Dr. Shetty said that two insurance agencies had evinced interest to take up the scheme.

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