Date:31/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/31/stories/2008053153530500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Medical aid for SCs/STs

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Persons belonging to Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe can seek medical assistance from Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, an autonomous body, functioning under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, according to Health Secretary V.K. Subburaj.

The SC and ST persons suffering from kidney, heart, liver, brain, knee and spinal cord ailments can get financial assistance for surgeries.

Applications should be sent to the Director, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, 15 Janpath, New Delhi. The applications may be obtained from Government Hospitals and Government Medical College Hospitals.

Applications should reach the Director 15 days before the date of surgery and they should be attested by members of Parliament or District Judges or Health Secretary or Social Welfare Department Secretary of the Union or State Governments.

The ceiling for the assistance is Rs. 1 lakh and 75 per cent of the amount will be directly sent to the hospitals.

While 50 per cent will be sent before the surgery, 25 per cent would be sent after it.