Children who lost both their parents during Covid to get health insurance: Union Minister

The government will provide free health insurance of ₹ 5 lakh to children up to the age of 18 years, who were orphaned due to the pandemic, said Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday. The premium will be paid from Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM-Cares) fund, he added.

"As part of the steps taken to take care of children affected by COVID-19, children up to 18 years will be provided free health insurance of ₹ 5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat and its premium will be paid by PM CARES," he said in a tweet.

In the said tweet, he also attached an image wherein it was mentioned that children below the age of 18 years who have lost both parents during Covid-19 will be given a monthly stipend. They will be given an amount of Rs 10 lakh on turning 23.

Prime Minister Modi had launched PM-CARES for Children Scheme on May 29, 2021. The aim of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to the children who lost both their parents of gardians amid Covid-19 pandemic.

The objective of the scheme is to ensure comprehensive care and protection of children in a sustained manner, and enable their wellbeing through health insurance, empower them through education and equip them for self-sufficient existence with financial support on reaching 23 years of age, an official statement read.

 Over 1.2 lakh children in India have lost a parent due to the pandemic, according to a study conducted by Lancet.