HP launches ‘Sahara’ scheme to financially aid EWS patients

SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh government has launched a scheme titled ‘Sahara’ which would be financially aiding patients belonging to the economically weaker section (EWS) and suffering chronic diseases like Parkinson’s disease, malignant cancer, paralysis, muscular dystrophy, haemophilia and thalassemia. Vipin Parmar, HP Health Minister, said in the first phase of the scheme around 6,000 patients would be covered and financial assistance of Rs 2000 would be provided to the EWS patients. A budget of Rs 14.40 crore has been allocated to the project for 2019-20s

All EWS patients, whose family income does not exceed Rs 4 lakh per annum and are suffering from the diseases and taking treatment on long-term basis, are eligible for the benefit under the scheme. The confirmation of the diagnosis of the disease can be confirmed from medical treatment history, examination by the medical board. The factum of disease can be confirmed from disability certificate if available to avail the benefit under the scheme.