Pune: The state health department has increased the honorarium for frontline workers by threefold to accelerate the reach of government-led health insurance schemes. Previously, these workers received Rs8 per KYC verification and card distribution, an amount now raised to Rs30. The state and central government’s integrated health insurance schemes — Mahatma Jyotiraditya Phule Jan Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana — are being implemented under the assurance mode from July 1, 2024. As part of this, Ayushman cards are being distributed to eligible beneficiaries. Of an estimated 12.74 crore beneficiaries in the state, cards have been issued to 3.44 crore, with the process for the remaining 9.30 crore beneficiaries currently underway. To expedite this distribution effort, the honorarium was increased. The state government has granted administrative approval for the production and distribution of these 9.30 crore new cards, allocating an estimated cost of Rs 204.06 crore. Kailash Baviskar, deputy director in charge of IEC (information, education, and communication) in the state health department, confirmed the development. “The decision to increase the honorarium for frontline workers for making and distributing the cards was taken at the cabinet meeting on Nov 4,” he said. “The govt is keen to ensure that the poorest in society are able to avail themselves of essential health benefits.” The govt resolution (GR) issued on the matter specifies that the State Health Assurance Society will pay the remuneration to these officers through the prevailing method (direct benefit transfer). The society is also tasked with extending the deadline for card manufacturing and distribution, if necessary, while ensuring timely completion. Weekly reviews of the distribution progress would be submitted to the government via the Commissioner, Health Services. Baviskar reiterated that the State Health Assurance Society will ensure card production and distribution targets are met within the stipulated timeframe, with monthly progress reports provided to the government.
