Mysuru: Nanjangud Industries Association (NIA) has appealed to Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour and Employment to include persons who have attained the age of superannuation for super specialty treatment in referral hospitals. In a letter to the Minister, Santosh Kumar Gangwar, the Secretary of NIA has said that the Employees State Insurance (ESI) scheme covers industrials workers and persons coming under the definition of workmen and also their dependents under this scheme.

For the benefit of those who attain the age of superannuation and those who are out of employment due to accident and those who are not covered with medical insurance are to get the benefit from ESIC under Rule 60 & 61 of the ESI Act.

They are eligible for the medical treatment available at ESI Hospital only by paying Rs.120 per year for self and spouse, provided they have contributed to the ESI contribution continuously for 5 years. They  are not eligible for specialty and super specialty treatment in referral hospitals.

“Invariably those coming under the scheme are senior citizens and it is those persons who need medical care in the twilight of their life. Our request is to use your good office and see that super specialty treatment is extended to these people in referral hospitals for whom it will be a great help. This is also one way of extending medical benefit to senior citizens, which is the intention of the Prime Minister,” stated NIA Secretary B.S. Chandreshekar in the letter.