By The Hindu Bureau

Copyright thehindu

The State government is committed to ensuring the well-being of the expatriate population who has contributed to the progress of the State, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said.

He was speaking after inaugurating NoRKA Care, a comprehensive health and accident insurance coverage conceived by the government for the Malayali diaspora.

The government had always been considerate in supporting expatriates at every stage of their lives. Prior to 2016, there were 13 schemes for expatriates, but today there were 20 schemes. Similarly, around ₹25 crore was allocated for expatriate schemes in the past, while this financial year ₹150 crore had been allocated for various schemes, Mr. Vijayan said.

The need for an insurance scheme under the aegis of the government had been a long-standing demand of the expatriates. This demand was also raised at the Loka Kerala Sabha. That was being fulfilled with the formal inauguration of NoRKA Care. he said.

Mr. Vijayan said this was the first time in the country that a State was implementing such an insurance scheme for expatriates. Under the scheme, cashless treatment would be available in more than 500 hospitals in Kerala and over 16,000 in the country.

The Chief Minister said the scheme may be extended to hospitals in foreign countries, including Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The scheme was expected to benefit around four million expatriates in the first phase.

The scheme implemented in association with The New India Assurance offers health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh and accident cover of up to ₹10 lakh. Those aged between 18 and 70 can join the scheme. The premium is ₹13,411 for a family of four, including two chidren. The scheme will come into effect on November 1.

Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal presided over the inaugural function. Girija Subramanian, chairman and managing director, New India Assurance was present..