Agartala, March 13 (TIWN): 15,354, 024 rupees had been invested under Tripura Health Assurance scheme for the poor in the financial year 2013-2014 and 2014-15(December). About 233 persons were covered under the scheme. However, the maximum amount given to the poor patients in the State is Rs 1, 15000 and outside the State, in case of referral a, total amount of Rs 10,000. The scheme was implemented on August 13, 2014. Earlier it was named as State Illness fund.

The Tripura Health Assurance Scheme for the poor covers all the families of Tripura whose annual income is less than Rs 1, 50,000. A family includes legal spouse, unmarried children up to the age of 25 and dependent members. The scheme covers up to five members of a family on floater basis. Names of family members should be on the basis of the ration Card issued by the Government of Tripura.

Besides that the objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to the poor families of Tripura for critical care, hospitalization, surgeries and therapies for identified diseases in pre empanelled hospitals on cashless basis. The four State level Hospitals –G.B Pant Hospital, IGM Hospital, Cancer Hospital and Tripura Medical College and Dr. BRAM Teaching hospital are eligible for referral of pre-determined procedures. Mainly Cancer, Cardiovascular surgeries, Neuro surgeries, Renal, Neo –natal diseases, poly trauma and eye surgeries were covered under the scheme.

The Left Front government in Tripura has taken a healthy route to win hearts of the state's middle and lower income groups. It has launched Tripura Health Assurance Scheme for Poor (THASP) to support the treatment expenses of the people. Over 70 lakh families having annual income more than Rs 1.50 lakh have been excluded from the scheme. The government has been desperately trying to upgrade the health services in the state but acute crisis of doctors is a major problem. It is to be mentioned that, he THASP is likely to benefit around 3,000 patients per year.