If you are among parents of a ward who is among thousands of students pursuing different courses from Allahabad University and if he or she suffers an injury from an accident or any serious ailment which needs hospitalisation, there is a unique proposal from the university authorities to put your worries to rest.
AU authorities are planning to introduce group insurance and group health scheme for thousands of its students against one-time payment of a minimal premium. The group insurance will cover the student not only for accidental claims but hospital expenses too.
According to the proposed scheme, students of AU could opt for getting insured at the time of admission and if everything works out well, the scheme could be extended to constituent colleges too. In case of any ailment, the scheme would be in addition to the existing OPD facility at the health centre of AU.
“We floated the idea at the meeting of the health board of AU as whenever a student meets an accident and requires monetary help, the office of the dean student welfare provides the same. But since the meager amount disbursed by the DSW office is insufficient, we need to have an external agency to provide monetary help for the students in their unfortunate time of need,” said DSW R K Singh.
The plan is still distant as parents of wards have family insurance scheme which caters to all their needs in any situation, he added.
“We have a self-sufficient health centre, budget of which has been increased multifold, to cater to the health needs of our students but the same does not offer hospitalisation facility because of which the students, especially those living in various hostels and private lodges, need monetary help in case of medical emergency,” said the DSW.
Talking about the amount to be deposited as premium, the DSW said the amount would be nominal, say around Rs100 annually, which does not put much of a burden on the student’s pocket. “But, the scheme would be debated thoroughly and only after considering the entire pro and cons, shall we implement it finally,” said Singh.
The proposal itself has raised both cheers and doubts among students. While those staying in hostels and lodges are enthusiastically waiting for it to start, they are equally apprehensive whether the plan would be implemented at all. “It is a novel scheme but whether it will come into effect or not remains to be seen,” said Anand, a hostel inmate.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/Allahabad-University-mulls-insurance-cover-for-students/articleshow/17965195.cms
