Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched the ‘KSRTC Arogya’ health insurance scheme on Monday to support public transport employees. This scheme offers cashless medical treatment to over 34,000 KSRTC employees and their families, benefiting around 1.5 lakh people.
Speaking at the launch event in Bengaluru, CM Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of equitable healthcare. “Doctors must treat all patients with respect and care under this scheme, ensuring no one faces discrimination,” he said. The scheme, he noted, reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of its workforce.
Comprehensive Healthcare for KSRTC Employees
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, who was present at the event, highlighted that the scheme fulfils a long-pending demand raised by labour unions. He also announced plans to extend the initiative to other transport corporations, including Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC), within three months.
Under ‘KSRTC Arogya,’ employees and their families will have access to treatments ranging from eye and dental care to alternative therapies like Ayurveda, Unani, and homoeopathy. The scheme imposes no cap on inpatient treatment expenses, ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage. To fund the program, a nominal monthly deduction of ₹650 will be made from employees’ salaries, with an annual increase of ₹50.
A Collaborative Approach
During the event, S.R. Srinivasa, Chairman of KSRTC and MLA of Gubbi Constituency, handed over a cheque of ₹20 crore to the KSRTC Trust to establish a corpus fund for the scheme’s implementation. He also unveiled the periodic internal magazine, Saarige Sampada, and the KSRTC Arogya Manual.
To facilitate the initiative, KSRTC has signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with 275 hospitals and four diagnostic centres across Karnataka, offering cashless inpatient and outpatient services. This extensive network ensures accessible and quality healthcare for the beneficiaries.
Expanding the Vision
The scheme’s influence is not confined to the transport sector alone. Energy Minister K.J. George announced plans to extend similar cashless medical treatment facilities to employees of all Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs) under the Energy Department. Staff will be eligible for treatment coverage up to ₹5 lakh.
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A Model for Employee Welfare
The KSRTC Arogya scheme sets a benchmark for employee welfare by addressing healthcare challenges comprehensively. With its inclusive approach and robust funding model, it is poised to significantly improve the quality of life for thousands of employees and their families.