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KOHIMA —The TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited has launched a new social protection scheme in Nagaland, aiming to improve healthcare access for vulnerable communities in Phek and Zunheboto districts. The initiative, part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, was officially launched in Kohima on Tuesday.
A total of 15,000 beneficiaries belonging to two aspirational blocks including Akuhaito under Zunheboto district and Chizami block under Phek district are expected to benefit from the project in this financial year.
The project will be implemented by Swasti, a not-for-profit society in partnership with the state Department of Health and Family Welfare, while the Entrepreneur Associates Nagaland will be the local implementing partner of Swasti for the project in Nagaland.
During the launch, Dr. E Motsuthung Patton, Principal Director of Health and Family Welfare, highlighted the existing gap in accessing social security schemes, particularly among vulnerable populations, often due to a lack of awareness. He urged all stakeholders to actively promote these schemes to ensure wider utilisation.
The project will focus on raising awareness and facilitating enrollment in schemes such as Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojna, E-shram Card, and the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme.
Dr. Kikameren Longkumer, Joint CEO of the Nagaland Health Protection Society, pointed out that while 90% of households have at least one e-card under the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme, individual coverage remains significantly lower. This translates to only 7 lakh individuals covered out of the eligible 20 lakh population.
District-wise, Zunheboto and Phek have the lowest coverage, he informed.
Attributing the low coverage to the lack of awareness, he urged the implementing agencies to spread awareness and engage the beneficiaries in the card generation process and getting the required documents read.
Longkumer further expressed hope that the company will expand the project to other districts.
Devang Deputy, Vice President and lead for CSR and Ethics at TATA AIG, highlighted the company's ongoing CSR activities in the North-east region.
He said the current project is targeting 15,000 beneficiaries and that the Health department is expected to conduct capacity building exercises and monthly progress monitoring.
Representatives from Swasti, including P Bhoopathy, National Social Protection lead, and Bhawana Yadav, Programme Manager, provided a detailed overview of the project’s goals and objectives during the launch.