Health insurancescheme for government employees

New Delhi: Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad Friday said a health insurance scheme will be introduced for the central government employees.

"The central government is contemplating introduction of a health insurance scheme for the central government employees and pensioners in consultation with other concerned ministries and departments," Azad told the Lok Sabha during question hour.

"The proposal is to make this scheme on voluntary cum contributory basis for serving employees and pensioners except for new joinees in respect of whom it is proposed to be on mandatory cum contributory basis," the minister said.

He, however, said that no time frame can be given for the introduction of the programme.