The National Health Authority (NHA) under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Department of Social Justice and Empowerment signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Wednesday in order to empower and provide an inclusive and composite health package for transgender persons under Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY, said a press release by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Dr R S Sharma, CEO, National Health Authority and Shri R Subramanyam, Secretary DoSJE signed the MoU in presence of Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya, and Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar.
Health Minister Mandaviya after signing of the MoU between the two government departments for the upliftment of the transgenders said, "This MoU has laid the foundation for a landmark transformational reform in the society. The move which provides special healthcare benefits to the Transgender Community goes beyond ensuring equality for the disadvantaged community."
Vouching for an inclusive society for the transgender community, Mandaviya highlighted the importance of healthcare under AB-PMJAY.
"It is only apt that the MoU is being signed at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre today, as he championed for an inclusive society with equality across all population groups in the country," the release by the Health Ministry quoted Mandaviya as saying.
According to the MoU signed, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) will fund Rs 5 lakh insurance cover to each transgender beneficiary every year. A comprehensive package is being prepared, including specific packages (Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) and treatment) for transgenders. Under this, they will be able to take treatment in any of the AB PM-JAY empanelled hospitals across the country. The scheme would cover all transgenders not receiving such benefits from other centre/state sponsored schemes, the statement read by the Health Ministry.
Several senior ministers, including members from the transgender community were present during the occasion.