The present government has started health insurance for government accredited journalists working in the state and there will be scope for getting treatment services up to 3 lakh rupees annually under the health insurance.

The state government has taken initiative to provide accreditation cards to journalists to bring more number of journalists under health insurance, said Information and Cultural Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury after distributing accreditation cards to journalists working in the state in a programme organized by ICA department at the conference hall of the Secretariat ton Tuesday. Accreditation cards were officially handed over to 11 journalists of print media and to 13 journalists of electronic media.

The ICA Minister in the programme said, the ICA department is committed towards providing the long demand of journalists of the state for accreditation cards. Initiative has been taken to bring a total 337 accredited journalists (including new and old) under health insurance.

As a result, the journalists will be able to take treatment services from different well-known hospitals of the country. He informed, accreditation cards have been provided to 189 new journalists. Besides, renewed accreditation cards were provided to 141 journalists and accreditation cards were provided to 25 senior journalists. He informed, those whose names have been missed out in the accreditation list may apply for it in the future. He said, the process to provide accreditation cards will continue. The ICA Minister urged the journalists to make proper use of their accreditation cards and safeguard its dignity. Journalists play an important role in strengthening democracy. The ICA Minister hoped that the journalists will play an appropriate role in further strengthening the state by performing their duties well as the fourth pillar of Democracy.

The ICA Minister spoke elaborately about health insurance and informed, the health insurance premium for journalists of 21 to 35 years of age is Rs. 5,595  without GST annually. Out of which, the state government will bear Rs 4,476 and the journalists will have to pay Rs. 1,119. The health insurance premium for journalists of 35 to 45 years of age is Rs. 7,947 without GST annually. Out of which, the state government will bear Rs. 6,358 and the journalists will have to pay Rs. 1,589. The health insurance premium for journalists of 45 to 55 years of age is Rs.13,672 without GST annually. Out of which, the state government will bear Rs.10,938 and the journalists will have to pay Rs.2,734 rupees. The health insurance premium for journalists of 55 to 65 years of age is Rs.17,907 without GST annually. Out of which, the state government will bear Rs.14, 326 rupees and the journalists will have to pay Rs.3, 581. The ICA Minister had called on the journalists to renew their health insurance every year.

Secretary of ICA department Dr. P. K. Chakraborty said, health insurance for journalists is a huge step taken by the state government. The National Insurance Company has taken the responsibility of insurance. The Director of ICA department Ratan Biswas said, health insurance is a completely cashless system. Those who have not yet applied for renewal of their accreditation cards, they may contact the ICA department.