Manipal Arogya Card Scheme 2014 launched

By Jayaprakash Kini
Bellevision Media Network

Manipal, 25 April 2014: The Manipal Arogya Card Scheme 2014 was launched by Dr Ramdas M Pai, Chancellor, Manipal University, Manipal at Dr T M A Pai Hall – II, KMC, Manipal here on Thursday by issuing the first card. Manipal ArogyaCard was instituted in2001 as part of Manipal University’s social initiative with the objective to provide quality healthcare at affordable cost to a large section of the society. Manipal Arogya Card enables a member to avail large benefits by way of discounts on inpatient and outpatient treatment in the hospitals under Manipal Health Enterprises in the Coastal belt.

Speaking on the occasion, Registrar of Manipal University, Dr G K Prabhu said: “By paying a small sum as membership fee anybody can obtain membership and the person will receive the investment back as concessions from just two or three usages of the card. The membership which began today will close on 26th July, 2014. This year we plan to enroll at least 2.00 lakh members. Last year we had a total of 1.40 lakhmembers.

Dr G K Prabhu said that consultations with any specialist or super specialist doctor any number of times during the year paying only 50 per cent of consultation fee is the most attractive among the outpatient benefits of the Manipal Arogya card. The 20 per cent discount on diagnostics and laboratory investigations will also give considerable relief to patients. “There is a rebate of up to 10 per cent on the medicines purchased from Hospital pharmacy with prescriptions.

As In Patient, there is a a flat 25 per cent concession on the inpatient bill (excluding consumables) for any number of times during the year and up to 10 per cent concession on medicines purchased from pharmacy,” he said. At Udupi and Karkala Hospitals, there will be a concession of 15%in all the wards.

 

Dr G K Prabhu said that during the 2013 scheme, about Rs Two crores worth of benefit was given to the members. Manipal Arogya Card is a unique scheme in which the discounts on treatment can be availed on pre-existing diseases as well. Manipal Arogya Card is priced at just Rs 250/- for an individual card and Rs 500/- for a family card. Family includes the card holder, spouse and all unmarried children below 25 years of age. An add-on card is also available for the parents of primary card holders under the family card scheme for Rs 100/- per parent. For renewal card, 10% discount on membership fee is offered.
Manipal University Instituted the Dr T M A Pai Arogya Sevak award for the volunteers in healthcare sector who work for the benefit of the community. Dr T M A Pai Arogya Sevak award 2014 was presented to Prasanth Makkimane from Thirthahalli in Shimogga. Dr K Ramnarayan, Vice Chancellor, Manipal University gave away the award.

Dr Surendra V Shetty, Pro Vice Chancellor, Manipal University released the Information Kit of Manipal Arogya Card 2014. Dr G Pradeep Kumar, Dean KMC Manipal honored the people who worked for enrolment under the scheme in Manipal Area. Dr M Venkatraya Prabhu, Dean KMC Mangalore honored the people who worked for enrolment under the scheme in Mangalore Area.
Dr (Col) M Dayananda COO & MS, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal welcomed the gathering and said that the scheme in 2013-14 benefitted about 5000 inpatients and about 80,000 out patients. There is also an increasing trend of enrolments from far off places such as Haveri, Bellary, Kannur and so on.

Dr Madhusudana Upadya, Medical Superintendent, KMC Hospital, Attavar, Mangalore proposed the vote of thanks. Applications for the scheme are available at all networked hospitals under Manipal Health Enterprises and Authorized agents.

Helpline at Manipal 0820-2571343 or 99808 54700 and at Mangalore 0824 2444 590 or 99723 88991 has been set-up to provide more information about the Scheme.