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| Sunday, 12 June 2005 |
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Reimburse OPD expenses by Ananda Kannangara Twenty public sector trade unions on Thursday demanded Government to make reimbursement for OPD (Out Patient Department) treatment once again and implement a new insurance scheme with more benefits to public servants under its "Agrahara Medical Insurance Scheme". At a recent conference with the Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister Amarasiri Dodangoda, the Union representatives spoke against the non payment of reimbursements for OPD treatment and said that it would badly affect a large number of low income public servants. It is reported that 700,000 workforce is in the public sector at present and a sum of Rs. 75 is deducted monthly from the salaries of each employee against the Agrahara Medical Scheme. The medical scheme has been launched by the Government in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Insurance Co. Ltd. Circular No. 5/97, issued by the Public Administration Ministry in regard to this medical scheme on 1997.01.31 was revised by Minister Amarasiri Dodangoda with several amendments. A union representative W. H. Mendis said that only a few public servants undergo bypass surgeries or taking indoor treatment at Government hospitals or private nursing homes every year and therefore this medical scheme should pay more attention to a large percentage of employees generally taking out-door treatment. In response to the statements made by union representatives on the Agrahara Medical Scheme, Minister Dodangoda said that he would consider all the requests and grant more benefits to the workers after consultation with other authorities. "However we are keen to continue the scheme with more benefits, considering the safety and welfare of a huge number of workers in the public sector," he said. According to the circular, reimbursements are made as follows. Rs. 15,000 for hospital admissions of workers and their dependents and Rs. 50,000 for surgeries also to workers and their dependents. Reimbursements are also made for child births and legally performed abortions of relevant employees. |
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