Dr. Avnish Jolly:The National Trust under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India has launched the health insurance scheme – Nirmaya for persons with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities in 10 districts of India.
In the case of people of below poverty line (BPL), the entire premium would be paid by the National Trust whereas in the case of persons above poverty line, the premium will be Rs 250 per lakh per annum. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has selected Chandigarh for implementing a this health insurance scheme – Nirmaya. The Government Institute for Mentally Retarded in Chandigarh has been appointed as State Nodal Agency Centre (SNAC) to receive applications for the health insurance scheme.