Cyclothon in Assam on World No Tobacco Day

Cyclothon in Assam on World No Tobacco Day

by | Jun 13, 2023 | Tobacco

Cyclothon in Assam on World No Tobacco Day

On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, Consumer VOCIE with its state partner Consumers’ Legal Protection Forum, Assam in collaboration with State Tobacco Control Cell, Directorate of Health Services, Govt. of Assam and State Tobacco Control Cell, Assam and Guwahati Cycling Community organized a Cyclothon in Guwahati on 30th May 2023.

The theme of the event was ‘Strengthen Tobacco Control Law to Save Lives’. More than two hundred students, sportspersons, doctors, lawyers, social activist, journalist and government officials participated the Cyclothon. The Cyclothon started from Veterinary College Field, Khanapara and cyclists went up to Ulubari and again come back to Khanapara. 

Abhinash Joshi, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department, Govt. of Assam in his inaugural speech said “it is alarming that children and teens are lured towards the tobacco addiction. This is dangerous. Strict implementation of tobacco control law to save our children from tobacco addiction is an immediate task. It is need of the hour to save our younger generation from this deadly tobacco”. 

The cyclists made an awareness drive among the common people and appealed Government of India to strengthen the tobacco control law in the up-coming session of Parliament. They display placards with slogans to strengthen tobacco control law. They also urged to remove the designated smoking areas to make India 100 percent smoke free and banning the point of sale to save the younger children and youth from the menace of tobacco.

Dr.Nilmadhab Das, Director of Health Services; Phuleswar Basumatary, Deputy Commissioner of Taxes; Dr. Ashok Das, Professor, Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute, Dr. Munindra Narayan Baruah, Director, North East Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, Dr. Subrata Chanda, Assam Cancer Care Foundation (Tata Trust) Dr. Amal Ch. Kataki, Ex. Director, Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute; Dr. Arundhati Deka,  State Nodal Officer, NTCP  and Dr. Tapan Das, Join Secretary, Cycling Federation of India flagged off the cyclothon.

In their speech, the dignitaries said that nearly 50% of all cancers in India are due to tobacco. Smoking worsens lung function and reduces immunity. The nationwide survey of students revealed that nearly one-fifth of students aged 13-15 years are using tobacco products in India. In Assam children are falling in trap of tobacco menace and about 12 percent of students consume tobacco in any form. 

Advocate Ajoy Hazarika, Secretary Consumers’ Legal Protection Forum, Assam moderate the event and said that more than 68 percent of cigarettes smoker and 76 percent of bidi smokers bought them from street vendors, pan shops and stores. 38 percent of cigarettes, 47 percent of bidi and 52 percent of smokeless tobacco users picked up the habit before their 10th birthday. 9.5% of the students were exposed to second-hand smoke. There is urgent need to initiate strengthen the tobacco control law as this is an important step towards improving public health.

Ms. Ekta Purohit, Consumer VOICE, New Delhi participated the cyclothon and shared some important facts and figures of tobacco consumption and deaths from tobacco.

The cyclists took an oath to build a tobacco free society.

For media coverage, click here

Workshop in Gujarat on World No Tobacco Day

Workshop in Gujarat on World No Tobacco Day

by | Jun 13, 2023 | Tobacco

Workshop in Gujarat on World No Tobacco Day

Consumer VOICE in collaboration with Rajkot Saher Jilla Grahak Suraksha Mnadal, Rajkot organized World No Tobacco Day by holding a workshop followed by media interaction on 31st May 2023 at Conference Hall, government Circuit House, Rajkot, Gujarat. 

The workshop was attended by more than 70 people including doctors from Cancer Hospitals, AIIMS, District Hospital, Students, NGOs representatives, District Chief Health Officer, Chief Health Officer, Rajkot Municipal Corporation, Media Persons and Victims & Survivors.

Dr. R. S. Trivedi, Hon’ble Chief Medical Officer, Rajkot Government Medical College, Rajkot;  Dr. Khyatiben Vasavada, Hon’ble Medical Director, Rajkot Cancer Society. Rajkot, Gujarat; Dr. Gautam Makadia, MD-Oncologist, Shree  Jalaram Gurukul Sarvajanik Hospital Rajkot,  Gujarat; Dr. Jeet Mehta, Hon’ble Oncologist, Saurashtra  Cancer Care & Research Centre, Government of  Gujarat  Shri Pankajbhai Rathod, Former Chief Health Officer, Rajkot Municipal Corporation, Rajkot,  Gujarat Shri Jayeshbahi Vakani, Hon’ble Chief Health  Officer, Rajkot Municipal Corporation, Rajkot,  Gujarat, Shri Hemant Kumar Upadhyay from Consumer VOICE, New  Delhi attended the workshop among others.

All participants took oath not to consume tobacco followed by media interaction. To garner the media support a press release was also disseminated among regional media. There was also a Health Camp organised by Jalaram Raghukul Sarvjanik Hospital for the early detection of oral cancer.

For media coverage, click here

World No Tobacco Day 2023

World No Tobacco Day 2023

by | Jun 13, 2023 | Tobacco

World No Tobacco Day 2023

World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on 31st May to highlight the harmful effects of tobacco not only on humans but on the environment at large.  As per World Health Organisation, Tobacco kills over 8 million people every year. It is also responsible for creating some serious damage to our environment through cultivation and waste.

Tobacco consumption is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases, including cancer, lung disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke. It is one of the main causes of death and disease in India and according to WHO, it accounts for nearly 1.35  million deaths every year. 

Like previous years, this year too Consumer VOICE observed World No Tobacco Day with their partner states across India with the objective to strengthen Tobacco Control Laws to save lives. 

Events like walkaton, cyclothon and workshops were organized to raise awareness among the citizens including young adults and children on the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.

Gujarat | Assam | Goa

Stakeholder Consultation on Hypertension Control and Prevention in India

Stakeholder Consultation on Hypertension Control and Prevention in India

by | Jun 12, 2023 | Hypertension management

Stakeholder Consultation on Hypertension Control and Prevention in India

With the rising prevalence of Non-communicable (NCDs) in India and hypertension being an important risk factor, it was important to prioritise it and place suitable recommendations in front of our policy makers. 

Keeping this in mind Consumer VOICE planned for a series of dialogues with various stakeholders including doctors, experts, policy makers and CSOs at the central level to be followed up in different states. The first event was event therefore was held in New Delhi at the Constitution Club of India on May 29th from11 am onwards. 

Objectives:

  • A series of community dialogues to prioritize NCDs and HTN as a public health concern
  • Create awareness and raise political will of policy makers
  • Seek opinion and participation of stakeholders 
  • Spread the message of hypertension prevention and control among consumers

The event witnessed a close participation of select but a quality gathering of experts and policy makers. Dr Aparna Jaswal, Director, Fortis Escorts in her wonderful presentation spoke about the importance to keeping heart healthy from the very young. She spoke about why and how young adults fall prey to stroke and cardiac arrest and heart attack and the signs one should look for. Her interactive presentation also highlighted when people without any previous record of heart ailment still collapse and how they can be saved. She proposed that awareness programs should start from the very young age of 18 years, and government should think of introducing teaching CPR at community centres and colleges. 

Dr Yogesh Bahurupi, Associate Professor, Dept of Family and Community Medicine AIIMS, Rishikesh highlighted the importance of Data Science Transformation and Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation. He stressed on the focus of prevention which if done systematically can prevent hundreds of lives.  Artificial intelligence is the way forward for patients in remote areas where a doctor sitting kilometres away can still analyse the irregular heartbeats of a remote patient. 

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Dr Archisman Mohapatra, Executive Director, GRID Council in his presentation emphasised the role of community health workers and primary healthcare centres. If community health services can be strengthened then the burden at the district hospitals is greatly reduced. While talking of the global scenario of NCDs, he spoke about the number of people being left untreated because it is not diagnosed. He also highlighted that hypertension is now no longer a disease of the urban middle or higher class but has penetrated deep into the rural sector. Significant proportion of hypertensives in India are either untreated or under-treated and this is attributed to lack of consistent access to anti-hypertensive medication. 

Representing the CSOs, Mr Ashim Sanyal, COO, Consumer VOICE spoke about the socio-economic burden that hypertension has accounts for. Treating NCD is on priority but it has to be strongly supplemented with population-based services aimed at health promotion and action on social determinants of health along with individual services.  He proposed for a multi-sectoral action addressing the social determinants and strengthening of health systems for universal coverage to population and individual services is required. Promotion of wellness activities and targeted communication at the community level is needed.

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The event also witnessed meaningful participation from several policy makers, some through their video message or online and some being present physically. Through a video message, BJD MP Shri Sujeet Kumar applauded the efforts of Consumer VOICE for holding the stakeholder consultation on hypertension prevention and control in India. He spoke about the high mortality rates in India and rising prevalence of NCDs in India and also in his home state of Odisha. To achieve the goal of reducing mortality rate in India due to NCDs, one must stress on the importance of primary healthcare centers. He emphasized the importance of strengthening primary and community health care centers in India and also urged consumers to make lifestyle changes. Promised his full support to our project goals through his office

It was an honor to have Lt.Gen.(Retd) Dr. DP Vats from BJP physically present in the occasion. Acknowledging the role of community health workers, Dr. DP Vats said that to improve India’s healthcare system primary field-level frontline workers, community health workers and nurses are crucial for delivering high quality community-based services especially for hypertension and other non-communicable diseases. He pledged his support and asked for his intervention areas. 

Dr Kirit Premjibhai Solanki, BJP MP who joined the consultation through zoom appreciated the work of Consumer VOICE in all spheres. While talking about the efforts that Consumer VOICE was putting in for generating awareness among consumers to measure and monitor their blood pressure regularly, he also stressed on the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  He stressed on the need for all stakeholders to work together to uphold the progress of SDGs. 

IEC materials were also distributed in the event and also a video on patient voices was shown in the workshop. Several patients from different states were captured in the video.

Personal Accident Insurance

by | Jun 10, 2023 | Insurance

Personal Accident Insurance

During these times when people have to adhere to strict timelines, work longer hours, attend tours and meetings, the working class is always on the go. To minimize the risks associated with mobility, it is essential for individuals to obtain Accident Insurance coverage for themselves and their families.

                                                                                                                                    Subas Tiwari

Is Personal Accident Cover so important?

Indeed, in the era of globalization and the continuous mobility of the workforce, which includes self-employed individuals, businessmen, and traders, it is crucial to prioritize securing sufficient insurance coverage for oneself and their family members, including dependent parents or in-laws. This ensures that in unforeseen situations, there is no reliance on bank loans or borrowing from friends or relatives to cover medical expenses. By having adequate insurance, individuals can swiftly access necessary treatments and return to work promptly.

So, before we embark upon the task of finding out a suitable accident policy for individuals, let us find out why it is a must to be covered for accident insurance & what are the benefits/riders & common exclusions?

What is Personal Accident Insurance?

Personal accident insurance covers injuries or death that has been caused due to an accident. This is one of the most affordable and limited form of life & health insurance policy that is mostly availed by people who are travelling frequently by road, water or airways.

Why is it called Personal Accident Insurance?

There are accident insurance policies for Group Cover taken by organizations for their employees’ benefit (Group Accident Insurance) & there are those where the Corporate-employer takes accident insurance cover for their employees called Corporate Accident Insurance. So the term’ personal” denotes ‘individual’ accident insurance policies (where family floater options are also available).

Why do you need to have one?

Personal accident insurances cover the policyholder against death or disability due to an accident. All general insurance companies offer these policies. Firstly, it will provide financial support to the policyholder if he is disabled after an accident. Secondly, the magnitude of the mishap doesn’t matter; even minor ones like falling off a bicycle and breaking an arm, or fracturing a leg while playing football are covered by the policy.

PSU insurers offer cheap personal accident covers while private insurance companies offer a wider range of benefits, but the premium rates are higher. You can take a cover of up to 8 times your annual salary. Apart from the basic death and permanent disability cover, you can buy additional protection against partial and temporary disability, even loss of livelihood.

It’s important to understand the terms and conditions clearly before you buy a policy. For example, hospitalization benefit can be availed of only if the policyholder is admitted within seven days of the accident and is hospitalized for at least 24 hours.

How does it work?

One has to pay a monthly, quarterly or yearly premium that remains the same till the entire policy coverage period. A cash benefit can be availed as reimbursement when the policy holder has got a major accidental injury. Compensation is provided if the insured person dies due to accident. The coverage is generally valid even when you are out of the country. No medical check-ups are required prior to availing the personal accident insurance policy. It is important to pay the premium in time so that you can enjoy the benefits of this policy. You can also add your family members under this policy.

What is covered?

Accidental death– On the event of death due to accident, the policy holder’s family (or nominee) gets accidental death compensation of Sum Insured Value just before death (usually 100%+ no claim bonus). Some insurance policies also provide for reimbursement by way of payment of lump sum on education expenses of 2 kids under the Education Fund.

Accidental permanent disability– It means the policy holder has lost one or more limbs due to an accident or one or more parts of his/her body has been dismembered. The insured person is liable to get a certain amount as reimbursement of treatment cost (usually 100% to 125% of Sum Insured).

Accidental permanent partial disability- It means loss of one index/thumb finger or one ear or loss of vision in one eye or loss of one hand/arm/leg, which is a partial damage of permanent nature which is irreversible. Here the compensation is a calculated percentage of Sum Insured.

Accidental temporary disability– It means the policy holder has got severe injuries which have made him/her temporarily disabled/physically disadvantaged (physically challenged). In this case, he/she is entitled to get a lump sum compensation for the number of days where he/she is not able to work.

Medical reimbursement for health complications that has arisen from the accident– Many personal accident policies also provide reimbursement for medical complications that has  arisen due to an accident, like treatment of mental trauma (cost of medicines or cost of psychiatric counselling sessions), and so on.

What are not covered? (EXCLUSIONS)

The following could be the most common exclusions (not covered) in the Personal Accident Insurance Policy Cover. Take adequate care to read them, understand the implications & take an informed decision to buy.

  • Suicide
  • Self-inflicted injuries
  • Influenced by liquor and drugs
  • Any pre-existing conditions or infirmity
  • Hazardous sports or careers (such as deep sea diving, working in mines, circus; in Army, Air Force or Navy, Airplane Pilots, etc)
  • Use of alternate systems of medical treatments (such as AYUSH)
  • War situations, mental disorders and pregnancy/childbirth

(These are only illustrative & not exhaustive)

Comparison of Accident Insurance Vis-à-vis Health Insurance and Term Plan Insurance 

Personal Accident Insurance Health Insurance Term Plan Insurance
Sum assured is payable against injuries/disabilities/death/other related expenses caused by accident, subject to exclusions & individual limits  Sum is available for hospitalization expenses only during the life of the insured Sum assured is payable on death of the insured only
Chances of meeting with an accident is higher in today’s times Chances of getting hospitalized for diseases are comparatively slimmer Chances of death of the assured are much slimmer if either/both policies are taken
Premium amount is cheaper compared to other policies Premium is higher of these two policies Sum assured is huge & taking this into account, premium is reasonable
Premium is fixed on the basis of nature of job and/or working conditions (not based on age of the insured ) Premium is fixed on the basis of age, health history, lifestyle, etc

Premium is fixed on the age &

nature of job and/or working conditions, health history, lifestyle, etc

Additional Benefits (Covers) Built into the Policy (FREE –NO COST TO PREMIUM)

There is no standardized format in the policies to look for. The offering in the product of Accident Insurance Policy of an Insurance Company varies from that of another. However, we shall look into some of the additional benefits of which some of them could be offered to the policy-seeker, and which could be built-into the policy.

  • Education grant to children (limited to 2 children)
  • Transportation expenses of mortal remains subject to cap
  • Travel expenses of 1 relative subject to cap
  • Purchase of blood
  • Transportation of imported medicines
  • Repatriation Benefit & Funeral Expenses
  • Burn injuries
  • Mobility cover (prosthetic/artificial devices and/or orthopedic braces to enable the mobility of the insured
  • Fracture expenses 
  • Domestic road ambulance
  • Reconstructive surgery
  • Home/Vehicle modification expenses

Rider Benefits (OPTED BY THE INSURED WITH COST TO PREMIUM)

The following could be offered to specific needs as the insured may perceive, but additional premium will be loaded.

  • Life support benefit
  • Hospital cash allowance
  • Adaptation allowance
  • Accident hospitalization
  • Winter sports cover
  • Home convalescence
  • Loss of employment benefit

Procedure for Pre-Claim Filing (Important pre-filing procedures)

  • Hospitalization benefit can be availed of only if the policyholder is admitted within 7 days of the accident and is hospitalized for at least 24 hours. 
  • After the accident, one also has to submit  the following; 
  • Doctor’s certificate for the disability that prevents one from attending work
  • F.I.R
  • Policy copy
  • Claim form duly filled & signed by the insured/claimant/nominee
  • Post-mortem report (in case of accidental death)
  • Death Certificate
  • Spot Panchnama (certified copies)
  • Medical/Hospital report
  • Discharge Card
  • Doctor’s prescription
  • Medical/Pharmacy Bill
  • Any other document required by the relevant insurance company to process the claim

The following important points needs to be looked into

  • Contrary to public perception, premium paid on the Personal Accident Insurance Policy is NOT ELIGIBLE for any Income Tax benefits.
  • This kind of policy is not much canvassed by Insurance Agents as commission paid on such policies to them by the insurance company is too low.
  • For buying this policy, no medical checkup is required to be undertaken by the insured.

These policies can be purchased ONLINE & portability option is also available.

Do you Know Your ATM Card (Debit Card/Credit Card) Comes with Accident Insurance Cover?

In today’s time, most people use ATM cards. Due to ATM, we do not need to carry a lot of money with us. Money can be withdrawn anytime and anywhere with the help of this facility. But the ATM card does not work only for withdrawing money. Many other facilities are also available with the ATM card, whose information is not given to us. One of these facilities is your Accidental Insurance.

Yes, whether the ATM card is of a private bank or a government bank, complimentary insurance cover is also available with each card. This accidental cover can be from 25 thousand to 20 lakh rupees. The amount of insurance is decided according to the category of ATM card. In case of death or accident of the ATM card holder, this insurance can also prove to be the support of the dependents. Let’s know about it.

How do I make a claim?

The only condition for availing of the accidental hospitalization or death insurance cover is that the card should have been in use within 90 days prior to the accident. For the insurance cover to be applicable, the debit or credit card could have been used either at ATM, point of sale (PoS) or on e-commerce platforms, within the mentioned 90-day period.

The claim can be made bank branch where the cardholder has an account. It is not be noted that the claim has to be made no later than 90 days of the accident. Any claim made after 90 days might be rejected. The beneficiary of the claim could be the nominee on the account of the cardholder or legal heir.

It is also to be noted that this claim made with the bank of the cardholder will not affect claim process of any other external insurance provider. The claim can be made by submitting some documents to corroborate accidental death or permanent disability.

For example, for availing SBI’s RuPay card insurance, the following documents are needed:

  • Claim Form duly completed and signed.
  • Original copy of Death Certificate.
  • Original or Certified copy of FIR / Police report giving description of the accident.
  • Original or Certified copy of Post Mortem Report along with Chemical Analysis/FSL reports wherever applicable.
  • Aadhar copies of Cardholder and Nominee.
  • Declaration from Card Issuing Banks duly signed by authorized signatory and bank stamp specifying that: 
  • Cardholder is holding a RuPay card on RuPay issued IIN and mention the 16 digit card number.
  • Compliance of 90 days transaction criteria (to be supported with transaction log/account statement from the bank’s system).
  • Nominee Name and his banking details (including Passbook copy).
  • Brief description of Accident as per FIR translated in English or Hindi. 
  • Bank official’s Name and contact details with email ID.

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