Health Insurance to children living with HIV

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum Members,

Recently in Tamilnadu, in one FM radio, I am repeatedly hearing the appeal by

the popular cine artist Mr Kamal Hasan, Mr Madhavan and Ms Thrisha regarding

sending Rs 750/ towards mediclaim insurance policy for the children infected

with HIV in the name of 'Petralthan pillaya?'( It means 'Are they children, only

if you give birth?').

It is promoted by the 'Hello FM' radio alng with 'PSI' (Population Services

International). It was mentioned in the same Advertisement cum appeal,last year

also they had done so for 2000 children and this has to be extended for other

such needy children.

It is a very good measure and good effort as far as the HIV children's care is

concerned. But a lot of unanswered questions are coming to mind.

What were the outcome of the last year benificiaries?

what type of benifts they got and where or which hospitals?

What are the procedures and criteria they put forth for the same.

As any health insurance policy has to be taken on the individual name, not as a

group or as an organization.

At present the CLHIVs got registered at Government ART centers and getting

treatment in community care centers or Govrnment hospitals or teaching

institutions where no money invoved for their treatment at all.

Moreover many of the hospitals enroled themselves for treatment with various

insurance companies are reluctant to treat HIV patients.

In this juncture how it is going to helpful for these children. This seems to be

very useful only to the insurance company not for the CLHIVs.

These insurance companies are also put forth lots of conditions for tese

schemes. Those who are having above 300 CD4 count only are eligible.

Then what about the children CD4 count below 300 who are more vulnerable for

illness. This insurance is not going to cover ART and also not for anti

tuberculous treatment and also for the ailment which is present at the time of

insurance and within a month duration of the insurance is taken.

Then this is not going to cover for their out patient treatment.

Then what sorts of benefit we can expect from these health insurance and how the

benifiaries are going to be benifitted and whom are the exact benificiaries. Are

the identified and insured.

Some centers of excellency in providing HIV care like YRG care are situated in

Chennai.

Then how are the children in farthest end of the state are going to be

benifitted when there is lack of experts in HIV treatment and the most of the

hospitas are relactant to serve.

So my request is that this wonderful scheme should be more transparent and open

to all widely and properly.

So before collecting such an amounts , please come forward and make it clear.

Thanking you.

Dr S.Murugan

Chief Medical officer, Peace Trust,

Peace community Care Center

Hope foudation children community care center

Tirunelveli Tamilnadu

" Dr S.Murugan " <muruganyes@...>