Vasu Potnuru Visakhapatnam

Ina first-of-its-kind endeavour in the country, Visakhapatnam city police introduced a holistic health insurance scheme for the welfare of Home Guards and their families.

Striking a balance between effective policing and staff welfare, City Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi introduced the ambitious scheme to provide financial and medical security to Home Guards serving in the Commissionerate’s purview.

Ever since assuming office in Visakhapatnam, the City Police Commissioner has been launching and implementing several welfare-oriented programmes aimed at improving the well-being of police personnel and supporting them.

Empathising with Home Guards, who face immense pressure, stress and risks while discharging their duties, Shankhabrata Bagchi observed that many personnel and their families suffer severe financial hardships during medical emergencies, often forcing them to borrow large amounts for treatment. Deeply moved by such real-life incidents, the CP initiated a comprehensive insurance programme to ensure that no Home Guard family is left helpless during times of crisis.

Under the newly introduced scheme, every Home Guard family will receive top-up coverage of Rs 30 lakh and an additional complimentary coverage of Rs 3 lakh, totaling Rs 33 lakh in health insurance coverage. The scheme covers Home Guards working in Visakhapatnam City Police Commissionerate along with their spouse and two children.

“The annual premium for each family amounts to Rs 10,264 and the premium for the first year has been completely borne by the Police Welfare Fund. This is the first-of-its-kind initiative taken by the police department in the country,” Shankhabrata Bagchi told The Hans India.

A total of 975 Home Guards and their families have enrolled under the scheme, benefiting nearly 3,144 family members. An amount of Rs 87,97,809 has been spent from the Welfare Fund toward implementing the programme. Besides providing financial protection, the initiative is expected to significantly reduce mental stress among Home Guards, boosting their morale and dedication to serving the public.

To ensure smooth implementation and easy access to healthcare services, several special facilities have been arranged under the scheme, including a 24-hour helpline, cashless treatment services, health-card database management and a dedicated coordination with insurance companies and hospitals. A special helpline number, 7995093606, has been set up for related assistance and support.

Appreciating the one-of-its-kind endeavour, Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha handed over the health insurance policy certificates to Home Guards and their family members.

She appreciated the Visakhapatnam City Police leadership for introducing pioneering welfare initiatives, being emphathetic towards the personnel and setting an example for others.