Health Insurance for Newborns Proposed

Since most insurance companies in the country do not have products tailored for child healthcare, the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), Kerala chapter, has submitted a proposal to the state government to introduce a scheme for newborns till they reach the age of one.:

"We have submitted the proposal and government is considering it. This will help if any congenital disease is detected in newborns," said Dr MN Venkiteswaran, president, IAP, Kerala chapter. The state chapter had in the past tied up with United India Insurance Company Ltd to provide medical insurance to a child till the age of one but it failed to get a good response. Children do get cover under the family insurance scheme but the numbers are less. "Just about 6% children admitted in our hospital have any type of medical insurance," said Sanjeev Singh, medical superintendent, AIMS. "Once speciality hospitals for children register a growth in the state, we can start a conversation with insurance

companies to introduce customised products for children," said Dr Harish Pillai, CEO, Aster Medcity. KIMS Hospital said they have introduced insurance scheme for newborns.