Sahara Scheme for Bed-Ridden Patients to Continue: CM Assures Pending Pensions Clearance

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has reaffirmed the Himachal Pradesh government’s commitment to the Sahara Scheme, an initiative aimed at providing financial relief to economically weaker patients suffering from chronic and life-threatening diseases. Originally launched by the previous BJP government, the scheme is set to continue, with assurances that all pending pensions will be cleared for eligible beneficiaries.

Overview of the Sahara Scheme

The Sahara Scheme was introduced by the Government of Himachal Pradesh as a social security measure to provide monthly financial assistance to patients suffering from severe and incapacitating diseases. This initiative seeks to mitigate the financial burden associated with prolonged medical treatments.

Objectives of the Scheme

The primary objective of the Sahara Scheme is to provide financial assistance to patients diagnosed with fatal diseases, thereby reducing their hardships and ensuring they receive necessary medical care without financial constraints.

Eligibility Criteria

To avail the benefits of the Sahara Scheme, applicants must meet the following eligibility conditions:

• The applicant must be a resident of Himachal Pradesh.
• The applicant must belong to the economically weaker section of society.
• The patient must be suffering from specified diseases such as:
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Malignant cancer
  • Paralysis
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Hemophilia
  • Thalassemia
  • Chronic renal failure
  • Any other disease that permanently incapacitates a person
• The applicant must not be a beneficiary of any other government-sponsored pension scheme.

Financial Assistance and Benefits

Under the Sahara Scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive financial aid of Rs. 3,000 per month to help cover the costs of their medical treatments and associated expenses. This assistance serves as a lifeline for many underprivileged patients struggling with the cost of long-term treatments.

Key Benefits:

• Direct financial aid to alleviate medical costs for patients with severe health conditions.
• Support for patients who are unable to earn due to their medical conditions.
• Aimed at ensuring basic sustenance and medical care for economically weaker sections.

CM’s Assurance on Scheme Continuation

During a recent announcement, CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured that the scheme will continue without disruption. Additionally, he guaranteed that all pending pensions under the scheme would be disbursed to the eligible beneficiaries. This announcement has come as a major relief for many patients and their families who rely on this financial aid for survival.

Conclusion

The continuation of the Sahara Scheme reaffirms the government’s commitment to social welfare and healthcare for the underprivileged. By ensuring timely financial aid to patients suffering from chronic illnesses, the scheme plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life of many individuals in Himachal Pradesh. With the Chief Minister’s assurance of clearing pending pensions, beneficiaries can now expect uninterrupted support for their medical needs.

The initiative highlights the government’s focus on inclusive healthcare policies, ensuring that the most vulnerable sections of society are not left behind in their fight against debilitating diseases.