Health Infotoday - Page 10 of 11

Here’s why you need health insurance before you turn 30

March 3, 2022

It is a common consensus among the general population that buying health insurance is for middle-aged people. However, you can always have a solid support system in case of a medical emergency in the form of health insurance as early in your life as possible. Increasing work-related stress and unhealthy eating habits are proving to cause major health-related conditions such as heart disease and diabetes among today’s youth. Cases of heart attacks and other lifestyle related illnesses are on the rise for people under 40 years of age. That is not only shocking but also shows concern. So, it is best not to put off buying a health insurance policy till you are older or middle-aged. With the rise in various lifestyle diseases people realise that putting the option of having healthcare support in the form of long-term health insurance plans on the pedestal is not a good idea. When you buy health insurance before you turn 30, it allows you to be ready for any unforeseen event and afford the best quality care. Buying health insurance early in life also lowers the financial and psychological burden imposed on your family by illnesses and health conditions.

Here are the top reasons why you need health insurance before turning 30:

Pay lower premium:

The cost of a health insurance premium depends upon various factors, such as age, medical history, city of residence, etc., of the insured. If you buy a health insurance policy early in your life, you will have to pay less premium amount for your policy. The cost of health insurance premiums increases as you age because of the increase in associated risks. Hence, buying a health plan before you turn 30 will help you save on the premium amount.

The less financial burden and more security:

Unforeseen circumstances are a part and parcel of life. One can never predict an accident or diagnosis of critical illness without any clear persistent signs. However, if such an event of medical emergency occurs, the treatment expenses can be significant. Buying a health insurance policy provides you with access to healthcare facilities when you require them, without having to pay out of your pocket. This way you can keep your savings secured and not feel any financial burden.

Increasing lifestyle illnesses:

The fast-paced life today has given rise to the occurrence of lifestyle illnesses and disorders such as heart conditions, cancer, lung conditions, diabetes, and stroke, claiming younger lives. Therefore, buying health insurance is no longer just for the elderly but crucial before turning 30. Many health insurance policies offer annual health checks ups and discounts in family plans in order to encourage health awareness. Preventive services undertaken by some health insurance providers can help you in getting counselling, screenings, and vaccines to manage your health.

Lower Claim Rejection Rates:

There are high chances of getting diagnosed with specific health conditions in later stages of life and if health insurance policy is bought after being diagnosed, there may be a waiting period of 2-4 years to get these conditions covered. Hence there may be a higher chance of claim rejection if any claims are raised pertaining to these health conditions during the waiting period. In such cases, the entire burden of treatment falls upon you, which may deplete your finances.

The above reasons will help you make an informed decision and buy comprehensive health insurance coverage before you turn 30.

This article is authored by Ravichandran N, the Chief Technical Officer at Kotak General Insurance, and views expressed in this article are the author’s personal views.

Health

Dr Radhika Vijay’s dignitary “Is Pharmacology Difficult” Podcast

March 3, 2022

Dr. Radhika Vijay, MBBS, MD in Pharmacology ( Bikaner, Rajasthan, India) has always been an elite student . Alma Mater was Sophia High Secondary School, Bikaner(Raj), while graduation and post-graduation were pursued from S.P. Medical College, Bikaner(Raj) and R.N.T.M.C., Raj respectively.

During Lockdown, the virtual platform was flooded with creative juices, and novel ventures of people while “Stay at Home”.

Dr. Radhika took the initiative to launch “IS PHARMACOLOGY DIFFICULT PODCAST” in April 2020, Meanwhile, she gained thorough insights and knowledge and relaunched the podcast on Dec 12, 2020. Since then there has been no looking back. She highlighted the completion of season 1 of her podcast by converting speech to text i.e. writing a book by weaving all episodes into a single string of literature work. This -” Is Pharmacology Difficult” Book 1 (General Pharmacology).

You can find the podcast on all major platforms like Apple, Google, and Spotify, and the E-Book is widely distributed and you can grab Paperback and Hardcover copies too!

Dr. Radhika wishes to continue this legacy with diligent and hard work in the future also. She believes in the value and power of time, prayers, and purpose-driven consistency as strong foundation elements in one’s life!

https://www.ispharmacologydifficult.com

Health

Kamasutra The Musical: Dr. Prabhakara Govindachari Viswakarma Music Based Project Promotes Sexual Well-Being

February 18, 2022

It is often said that music has healing properties. Dr. Prabhakara Govindachari Viswakarma, a leading Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, and Sexually Transmitted diseases expert, always had a keen interest in music. That helped him discover many innovative ways in which music can be used to promote a healthy life and enhance physical and mental health. His most recent project Kamasutra The Musical has been designed to promote sexual well-being.

Talking about this project, Dr. Prabhakara Govindachari Viswakarma says, “The concept of Kamasutra The Musical is based on the fact that the music or sound of specific frequencies affects human behaviour. There is scientific evidence that suggests that music can influence an individual’s physiology during romantic activity. Kamasutra is the ancient treatise on the art of making love and through Kamasutra The Musical, we hope to make people more aware about how music can help in promoting sexual well-being.”

Kamasutra The Musical has been released in the form of an EP comprising of four distinctive tracks. The four tracks have been titled ‘Excitement’, ‘Plateau’, ‘The Peak’ and ‘Resolution’ and musically represent the four stages of making love. A variety of acoustic instruments like the sitar, table, flute and mridangam have been used to bring the different emotions of love to the fore in a sonic format. All the four tracks boast of intricate orchestral arrangements and offer an immersive aural experience.

Elaborating further on the project, Dr. Prabhakara Govindachari Viswakarma states, “These music tracks have been created by the panel of our expert music maestros based on the concept stated in a book titled ‘Quantum Union’ that has been authored by me and will be released soon. The book talks about the union of the mind, body and the soul. These tracks have been designed to enhance an individual’s experiences of love and sex. This exclusive creation is based on the scientific research of human biological responses to various sounds of specific frequencies during different stages of sexual activities.”

According to Dr. Prabhakara Govindachari Viswakarma, people look for different remedies when they feel something is amiss in their love life. Some even resort to medications. The doctor firmly believes that listening to the right kind of music can help significantly in improving one’s romantic experiences with one’s partner and promote healthier relationships. His expertise as a medical practitioner and love for music contributed towards lending this project a definite shape.

Dr. Prabhakara has planned four albums in the Kamasutra series, of which Romance is the first one. Each of these four albums will have a duration of 2 hours. Each of the four tracks in Romance has a duration of 30 minutes. Each track features two lead instruments driving them. Apart from playing them in the background during a romantic activity, you can also play these tracks to calm your senses after a hectic day at work or when you are suffering from stress or anxiety.

In the near future, Dr. Prabhakara Govindachari Viswakarma plans to come up with albums involving western instruments and artists. Dr. Prabhakara is also a successful entrepreneur and owns KS Interior Designs, a company that offers Interior Designing services for one’s recreation and love-making rooms. He can be reached out via his e-mail ID vgprabhakar2015@gmail.com or His Instagram ID is @ prabhakaravg.

Kamasutra The Musical is streaming on all leading music platforms including iTunes, Apple Music, Google Play, Amazon Prime Music, Saavn, Spotify and YouTube Music.

LINKS:-

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nEGyEQlY8U7ZlO5XM6Obr0H_ITwpHww5o&feature=share

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lku8N42W8im2Dw2ySHxBn7dx0nEumS30s&feature=share

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m7EZ0CUm9hZ66NWo3eorlxcFIerzJO9Jg&feature=share

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_l2p8EpPXlCVmLTTgGiRT_-m8rrtXwR81s&feature=share

https://www.facebook.com/Mydoclinic2019

www.mydoclinic.com

Health

Eherbcart – An AYURVEDIC solution to your Health problems

February 17, 2022

EherbCart is a firm that offers a variety of beauty and health items, such as fairness, men’s health supplements, hair products, vitamin and mineral supplements, and so on. In 1989, EherbCart was established, It is a company that only makes herbal items.

EHerbCart is a one-stop store for health-conscious individuals, offering a diverse selection of trustworthy and authentic Ayurvedic and environmentally friendly items. EHerbCart’s mission is to be a trustworthy and reliable source of sustainable living solutions for everyday requirements. There are several weight reductions pills and fad diet regimens on the market that promise to help you lose weight. While the majority of these diet regimens are difficult to stick to and leave you weak, the pills are packed with chemicals and synthetic fillers that can harm your health in much more aspects than you can think. Customers are upset and dissatisfied since these items do not perform as they claim. AYURVEDA treatments, according to Eherbcart, are the most effective. This is what drove the company’s founders to work out a solution that is both functional and Ayurvedic. After years of study, EherbCart has now released its Ayurvedic, effective, and side-effect-free products.

Herbs are grown and harvested organically on this company’s 200-acre farm. They feature a doctor team providing free consultation services if clients need advice on various items. They also offer regional language consulting to consumers from diverse groups.

Eherbcart has several brands, including:

Kamavatar, Ashvaazi, Suhani, Artha, Secret Shakti

Customers of EherbCart are advised to utilize these items twice a week. After a long period of use, it exhibits considerable modifications.

EherbCart’s herbal goods are all GMP approved, and the company is also FSSAI licensed (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India). EherbCart has over a million satisfied consumers that complement the company’s service. EherbCart also provides service throughout India.

Eherbcart has also received many prizes. The company was named “Mumbai Heroes.” In 2017, MSME (Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) recognized them as the Best Enterprise. They were named ‘Iconic Brand of the Year’ in 2018. They were also recognized as one of India’s top 5000 small businesses.

Description of some products:

Suhani Whitening Serum: To fight the consequences of melanin synthesis, a concentrated serum incorporating three active substances is used. Aids in the removal of black spots aids in the battle against dull skin, aids in the removal of dead skin, and aids in the restoration of a healthy glow.

Suhani Herbal whitening capsule: This herbal pill can help you achieve radiant, perfect skin by eradicating blackheads, zits, acne, pimples, and a variety of other skin impurities. Improves health, has a cooling impact on the body, boosts metabolism, and helps to regulate melanin.

Ashvaazi Capsule: Ashvaazi- Male Sexual Enhancement Capsule (Capsule, Oil and Leha), Resolves all Men’s Sexual Issues, Increases Sexual Confidence, and Stamina. It promotes couples’ sexual health and protects males from poor self-esteem. This is the ultimate herbal extract exact formula for male improvement that improves men’s sexual health dramatically.

Website:- https://eherbcart.com/

Health

Pristyn Care doubles its Surgical centres and crosses 1Mn patient interactions

February 7, 2022

Becomes the leader in Secondary-care surgeries

Patient interactions have crossed the one Million mark, making Pristyn Care a leader in Secondary-care surgeries.

In line with its commitment of enhancing access and ensuring high-quality secondary-care surgeries through an innovative care delivery model, Pristyn Care doubled its surgery care centres to 800 in 2021

Gurugram, 05 February 2022:

Pristyn Care, a health technology start-up specialising in secondary-care surgeries, has doubled its surgical centres to 800 in 2021. Pristyn Care surgical centres are now functional across the 7 metro cities – Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata – and 35 tier 2 & 3 cities across the country. Operating in over 12 surgical categories such as General Surgery, Ophthalmology, ENT, Urology, Gynaecology, – Pristyn Care has successfully treated over 60k patients and completed 1Mn+ patient interactions.

Pristyn Care operates on an innovative full- stack Care Delivery model to ensure that high-quality surgical care is offered to patients at an affordable cost. It achieves this through its policy of using the under-utilised OT and bed capacity available at its partner hospitals. The company invests in high end medical technology like diode lasers, Microdebriders, phaco-lasers, 3D meshes, coblators and mini-port laparoscopy kits and many more such advanced equipment.

The company has ~ 400 full-time expert doctors who have a wealth of experience of performing surgeries for 50+ diseases using the most advanced surgical technology and equipment. The highly trained surgeons and dedicated nursing and paramedical staff follow standardised care modules and undergo regular specialized training led by the quality & medical directorate team at Pristyn Care. Till date, the company has trained over 10,000 such nursing and paramedical staff with the aim of improving surgical outcome and patient experience.

Pristyn Care co-founder Dr. Vaibhav Kapoor, said, “We would continue to expand our services, invest in high end medical equipment, train our surgeons and nursing and paramedical staff and maintain a strict adherence to protocols set by the Govt. of India. Our surgeons conduct surgeries using high end miniport laparoscopy kits, advanced lasers, 3D meshes etc. Such superior quality surgeries to patients in Tier 2 & 3 cities would be a great service to our nation. Our model of free post-op consultation and 24×7 Personal Care Buddy are path-breaking initiatives and highly patient centric.”

A rock-solid technology backbone and a dedicated Personal Care Buddy assigned to each patient at Pristyn Care strengthens its’ patient-first initiatives including billing transparency, maintaining medical records through EMR and hassle-free admission-discharge at hospitals. Pristyn Care has set up a 24/7 in-hospital patient helpline to address patient queries any hour of the day during their hospital stay.

The company has partnerships with health insurance companies and financing providers. These partnerships help in easy and faster cashless claim approvals and EMIs facilities at 0% interest.

Pristyn Care co-founder Harsimarbir (Harsh) Singh, said, “The Government of India through Union Health Ministry’s National Telemedicine Service – eSanjeevani, and many international medical federations are encouraging digital modality of seeking health services. We are a tech-enabled surgery provider and work with an aim to offer the highest quality surgery that is easy on the pocket too. Through our partnerships with the insurance companies and health-financing providers and our strong technology driven ecosystem, we want to ensure that the costs of surgery do not become a burden. Through these options, our patients and caregivers would not have to dig deep into their household savings. ”

Indian healthcare delivery infrastructure is highly skewed and is centred in metros and larger urban centres. This leads to large scale migration from Tier 2/3 cities and towns to larger urban centres and metros for seeking quality healthcare.

Dr Garima Sawhney, Co-founder, reiterates Pristyn Care’s commitment to expanding the surgical services and following standard treatment guidelines, “Accessing quality healthcare is a challenge for most of our population and at Pristyn Care we are working to bridge this gap. We offer high quality surgery, at an affordable cost while adhering to standard practices set by NABH, MCI and Govt. of India.”

About Pristyn Care

Founded by Harsimarbir (Harsh) Singh, Dr. Vaibhav Kapoor and Dr. Garima Sawhney in August 2018, Pristyn Care (pristyncare.com) is a leader in Secondary Care Surgeries.

The company has a team of 400+ expert surgeons, performing advanced Surgeries for over 50+ diseases using the latest Advanced Medical technology.

Pristyn Care has differentiated itself by ensuring a 24/7 Personal Care Buddy is allotted to every patient. This coordinator ensures A to Z of surgery – allocating the right doctor to patient, diagnostics, remote insurance clearance, admission & discharge formalities, cab pick-up & drop, Free meal for attendant, Patient Financing (EMI) and Free post-surgery follow-up – is taken care of. This ensures patients & their family members focus on recovery rather than running around.

We observed major gaps in the unorganised healthcare system specially in Tier 2 & 3 markets.

Hence, we worked towards standardizing patient-care, bringing top-quality surgical experience, offering a wide range of surgeries and expanding our footprints across 35+ Tier 2 & 3 markets, which has led to this tremendous growth.

Technology is the backbone of Pristyn Care. By leveraging tech intervention, we are able to cut down human intervention, manage the entire process across 40+ cities through a central point and provide seamless patient experience.

We discovered significant gaps in the unorganised healthcare system, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.

As a result, we worked to standardise patient care, provide high-quality surgical experiences, provide a wide range of surgeries, and expand our footprints across 35+ Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, which has resulted in this tremendous growth.

Pristyn Care relies heavily on technology. We are able to reduce human intervention by leveraging technology, manage the entire process across 40+ cities from a centralized location, and provide a seamless surgery experience to our patients.

Health

DR. LOKESWARA RAO SAJJA’S RANDOMIZED STUDY IN CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS SURGERY RECEIVED GLOBAL RECOGNITION

February 1, 2022

30th January, Hyderabad: India’s first Randomized Control Trial in Cardiac Surgery by Dr. Lokeswara Rao Sajja (Internationally Acclaimed Cardiothoracic Surgeon) has received global attention through the inclusion of the study in the latest updated meta-analysis of Coronary Bypass Surgery which is published in February 2022 issue of the International Journal of Surgery, published by Elsevier Publishing Company.

Shri T. Harish Rao, Hon’ble Minister of Health, Medical & Family Welfare, Government of Telangana, congratulated Dr. Lokeswara Rao Sajja on this astounding accomplishment. On behalf of the Government, he has shared his happiness and assured to support such research & study in the field of medical science.

This trial has put India on the world map of Coronary Bypass Surgery. A total of 16 RCTs (which met the inclusion criteria) published between 2003 to 2020 all over the world have been included in the meta-analysis. This meta-analysis showed that the mean age of patients in India is lower than rest of the world. More than 50% of patients undergoing bypass surgery are diabetics in India. Indian surgeons have good surgical expertise in conducting bypass surgery on beating hearts (conversion rate of 0.6%).

Dr. Lokeswara Rao Sajja has participated in 15,000+ open heart surgeries of which 4500 were done under the Arogyasri Scheme with a high degree of success of 99.8%. He is the first surgeon from India who has presented a paper at the Annual Meeting of Prestigious AATS. The present study was also presented by Dr. Sajja at the annual meeting of AATS in 2018. He has published more than 75 original articles in peer-reviewed international journals. He is the founder president of the Society of Coronary Surgeons, which was inaugurated virtually by His Excellency Honourable Vice-President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu Ji in December 2020. India is on par with the rest of the world in Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery and also Surgical Research. This accomplishment would certainly impart hope & confidence in the hearts of people.

Link to the study- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1743919121003757?via%3Dihub

Health

Start your new year by choosing the right health insurance, here’s why!

January 27, 2022

Health insurance is one of the most helpful things you can invest in, in today’s world. With a steadfast increase in the cost of healthcare in our country, the emergence of lifestyle diseases is also threatening your savings; that is why having a health insurance policy has become a necessity. Yet, if you are asking yourself what the right time is to buy a health insurance policy, then, keep this saying in mind “The best time to start was yesterday. The next best time is NOW”. This also applies to the health insurance plan.

A health insurance policy acts as a cover that provides you with a much-needed financial backup at the time of medical emergencies. Health risks and unforeseen medical emergencies are unpredictable and hence a part of our lives. Some medical events do not alert you beforehand for you to prepare financially at the moment. That is where a health insurance policy comes in handy.

In tumultuous times such as these, health insurance can be one of the most helpful gifts you can buy for yourself or your loved ones this New Year.

No matter if you are looking for an individual policy or family floater health insurance, or group health insurance, here are some reasons why the new year might be the right time to choose health insurance:

Start a new year with Healthy Resolution:

A new year is known to bring hope, new energy, enthusiasm, and a sense of compassion for most people since everyone is in the festive mood and looking down at the year before and being hopeful for the year ahead. Many like to celebrate the start of a new year with a resolution or a promise to themselves, on how they want to spend their year, and what would be a better resolution than staying healthy, taking care of your finances, saving for emergencies, and making sure that you are ready financially and mentally for any unforeseen medical emergency. All the above things can be achieved with a simple health insurance policy. You can bring peace of mind to your life and save your money on unexpected medical events in the coming year by investing in a health insurance policy for yourself and your loved ones.

Upcoming innovative health plans:

Many insurance providers offer innovative health plans that use technologies like Artificial Intelligence (Al) and Machine Learning (ML) to provide more evolved and smart customer services. With the advent of new COVID-19 cases, many insurers are providing innovative health covers to deal with a severe health crisis and hospitalization. Getting health insurance for a better year could be the best way to prioritize health beside everything else.

Invest for better tax planning:

As the financial year-end approaches, you should start looking for avenues to invest properly, not only to save taxes but also to get good returns on your investment. Investing in a health insurance policy can be one of the best things you can do since you can get massive tax benefits towards the health insurance premium. You are already aware of the benefits of a health insurance policy, as it helps you financially in times of medical emergency by paying medical bills and treatment expenses. However, many forget one crucial thing about investing in a health plan, that it is a great tax-saving instrument. Investing in health insurance to plan your taxes can be a significant investment for the whole year ahead.

Buying health insurance at an early stage helps you get financial security at lower premiums. The premium amount starts increasing with age since chances of medical ailments also increase. Hence, it is vital to invest in a health insurance plan as early as possible, and keeping the above points in mind, the new year seems just the best time to do it.

This article is authored by Pulak Sarmah, Senior Vice President & Head of Marketing at Kotak General Insurance, and views expressed in this article are the author’s personal views.

Health

Neeraj Epilepsy Clinic To Launch Free Check-Up Camp For 2 Weeks On International Epilepsy Day 2022 – Awareness Days

January 24, 2022

Epilepsy is a disorder related to the central nervous system which leads to abnormalities in the activities performed by the brain. It further leads to seizures or occasions when an individual suffers from unusual sensations and loss of awareness. Both males and females, of any age or ethnic background, remain at the risk of suffering from epilepsy.

Epilepsy is also referred to as a seizure disorder by many. If an individual suffers from two unprovoked seizures, they will be said to be diagnosed with epilepsy. By ‘unprovoked’, we mean that the seizures would not be caused by a general medical condition like low blood sugar or alcohol withdrawal. While brain injury leads to an unprovoked seizure at times, most of the time its cause remains unknown or undiscovered.

To promote awareness around this epilepsy, government authorities in different countries have taken several effective past in the last several years. International Epilepsy Day, for instance, is an event that has been designed to promote awareness of this medical disorder in more than 120 countries. As a part of this initiative, a large number of people from different backgrounds come together on the second Monday of February every year and work towards highlighting the issues faced by those who suffer from this disorder.

Neeraj Epilepsy Clinic is one institution in India that has been at the forefront when it comes to raising awareness around epilepsy and how it affects people’s lives. Neeraj Epilepsy Clinic, notably, is one of the top institutions that have received approval from the Government of India for Ayurveda treatment of epilepsy. This year, Neeraj Epilepsy Clinic will be launching a free check-up camp for two weeks on the occasion of International Epilepsy Day 2022 – Awareness Days.

Talking about this initiative, Dr. Gupta, Director of Neeraj Clinic, says, “If epilepsy is detected in the early days of an individual suffering from it, there is a high chance of it being treated successfully. Many a time, people discover the fact that they are suffering from epilepsy very late as they don’t undergo regular medical check-ups. Through this two-week-long camp, people can get their Nadi Pariksha (Pulse Diagnosis) check-up done by Ayurvedic Doctors for free.”

Neeraj Clinic has taken several important initiatives in the recent past that have greatly helped epilepsy patients heal and recover from this ailment. Last year, Neeraj Clinic had launched a week-long yoga and holistic treatment program that was attended by a large number of people. For 47 years, Neeraj Clinic has been using this knowledge of Combination Therapy to successfully treat epilepsy patients. Till now Neeraj Clinic has successfully treated more than 157000 patients worldwide.

“In Ayurveda, epilepsy is referred to as ‘apasmara’. This term roughly translates to ‘loss of consciousness. Those who practice Holistic Lifestyle on a regular basis, witness a massive improvement in their blood circulation, concentration, breathing and physical endurance. It also provides great relief to the nervous system. Through Ayurveda and Yoga, we have successfully been able to treat several individuals who were suffering from epilepsy”, he says.

With the way things have been planned, the two-week free check-up camp organized by Neeraj Epilepsy Clinic should add great value to International Epilepsy Day 2022 – Awareness Days this year. Dr. Gupta has been working towards realizing his dream of an Epilepsy Free India for years and this free medical check-up camp is a solid step in that direction. To get more information about the camp, visit https://www.epilepsytreatment.org/.

Based in the holy town of Yog Nagri Rishikesh, Dr. Gupta’s Neeraj Clinic has garnered accolades from reputed national and international medical organizations. The clinic’s contribution towards eradicating epilepsy has been documented by several leading publications across the globe. A book on epilepsy, authored by Dr. Gupta, has been referred to be used in more than 240 medical universities based in Indian and abroad. Neeraj Epilepsy Clinic has also been blessed by the former President’s, Prime Minister’s and renowned celebrities for the remarkable work done in the field of Epilepsy Treatment.

https://www.epilepsytreatment.org/best-epilepsy-treatment-clinic-in-india/

Health

Changes in Health Insurance That Will Benefit Policy Holders

January 21, 2022

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has increased the demand for health insurance policies and products. The spreading virus has made people aware of how much they need some monetary support for medical expenses in case of medical emergency or hospitalization. But people are only inclined to buy the health insurance policy if it meets their basic requirements at an affordable price. Hence, The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has made some recent changes in the health insurance policies in order to make sure that insurance policies are more customer-friendly and all the customers receive quality treatment at a pocket-friendly price. Over the years, many changes and regulations have played a crucial role in promoting the growth of the insurance industry.

Let’s look at some necessary changes made by the concerned authorities that will help a large population to invest in health insurance policies and protect themselves and their loved ones.

Launch of Arogya Sanjeevani policy:

Arogya Sanjeevani policy is a standardized insurance plan, launched on 1st April 2020, under an indemnity plan to allow affordable health insurance coverage. Policyholders can enjoy a sum insured of up to INR 10 lakhs and get coverage for their entire family under this policy. Since the health insurance products available in the market can be confusing and overwhelming to understand. Arogya Sanjeevani provides a standard health plan that has been introduced by every insurer to support Indian policy seekers to purchase health insurance.

Specialized policies for COVID treatment and hospitalization:

Treatments for COVID-19 and the cost of hospitalization can be expensive, especially for people experiencing severe coronavirus symptoms. The introduction of the Corona Kavach policy has helped policyholders get treatment without having to worry about hospital expenses. These plans allow people to cover themselves and their families against the pandemic. These standard health plans cover COVID related claims on an indemnity (Corona Kavach) or on a fixed-benefit (Corona Rakshak) basis.

Easy instalments:

During the pandemic, in order to reduce the financial burden on the policyholders, IRDAI, allowed policyholders to pay Health insurance premiums in instalments. Now, most of the insurance providers offer EMI options on premium payments. So, as a policyholder, you can now pay premiums on a monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly basis. However, with monthly or quarterly payments, you will get a lesser free-look period than yearly premiums.

Transparency in exclusions:

IRDAI is making sure that there is less ambiguity in the policy wordings. Declaring that there should be standardisation of health exclusions, including simplification of the definition of pre-existing diseases. Under the mandate, it is stated that the insurers should specify the excluded diseases in their policy terms and conditions, and the policyholders can declare a disease after 3 months of the policy purchase. Hence, the diseases that the insurer will not cover for 4 years from the date of purchase of the policy, are specified clearly in the policy-related documents.

Prioritizing mental health:

In times like this, depression and anxiety are silent killers, and people do not seek treatment for mental health-related illnesses thinking they are not as a severe ailment. However, IRDAI has been making efforts to change the same and has asked insurers to include mental problems, genetic diseases, neurodevelopment disorders, and psychological disorders in the health insurance policies.

The changes in the health insurance sector are helpful to the policyholders and people seeking to buy health insurance plans. Since buying health insurance and securing yourself and your family against any unforeseen emergency is one of the most crucial things you can do.

This article is authored by Ravichandran N, the Chief Technical Officer at Kotak General Insurance, and views expressed in this article are the author’s personal views.

Health

Jalandhar-based Samaritan Duo’s Langar Sewa offers food & hope to underprivileged kids during third wave

January 10, 2022

As the pandemic spreads its tentacles again, this time with the new variant Omicron, the situation has turned worrisome for the poor once again, especially those whose livelihood is at stake.

For such people, NGOs and social workers are no less than angels in human disguise. In the past two years, the selfless workers have provided succour to the needy by supplying free food and essential items on a daily basis.

One of the many food camps or Langar Sewa activities being carried out throughout the country by good Samaritans, in view of the growing uncertainty during pandemic, is an initiative run by Pushppal Singh Bhatia and his wife Ravneet Kaur, in Jalandhar for underprivileged kids. The duo, who are famous for their digital content on social media with their handle “That Couple Though”, run the food camp for underprivileged children every Saturday-Sunday at Kapurthala Road in Jalandhar. At this camp, 400-500 children belonging to poorest of poor families are fed meals, supplied with warm clothes and blankets, and kept safe during the harsh cold.

Pushppal and Ravneet, both parents themselves, realise the value of a nutritious meal for the children’s development. Their initiative is a means to address the grave issue of malnutrition among underprivileged children. Fortifying this further, Pushppal Singh remarked, “We as a couple have always been connected to our roots and we wanted to help bring a change in the society.

The Langar Sewa is also an integral part of the Sikh community which was started by our first Guru, following his footsteps I feel that it is our duty to give back to the community in every possible way”

His wife, Ravneet, further elaborates, “Me being a parent myself can understand the hardships that these children have to face on a day to day basis. I am happy that with this initiative we have managed to bring a small positive change in their lives.”

In this initiative, the couple is supported by Amrik Singh, another local Samaritan, who provides the space for the Langar Sewa where food & essential items are distributed among the children. To connect with them directly you can ping them at: (https://www.instagram.com/that.couplethough/?hl=en)