Intro
The scheme covers persons with autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability and multiple disabilities, and does not require pre-insurance medical tests.
Mangaluru
The Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme, a Central Government initiative providing health insurance coverage for persons with certain disabilities, has witnessed a poor response in Dakshina Kannada district, with only a small fraction of eligible beneficiaries enrolling during the 2025–26 financial year.
According to available data, out of nearly 9,000 eligible persons with disabilities (PwDs) in the district, only 403 beneficiaries applied for and received Niramaya Health Cards during 2025–26. The low enrolment has raised concerns among disability rights activists and officials about inadequate awareness of the scheme and its benefits.
The Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme, implemented by the National Trust under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, provides eligible beneficiaries with health insurance coverage of up to ₹1 lakh on a reimbursement basis.
Officials and organisations working in the disability sector believe the poor response is largely due to limited public awareness, lack of information among caregivers and the cumbersome enrolment process. Many eligible families remain unaware of the financial protection available under the scheme.
In Dakshina Kannada, Seva Bharathi, Mangaluru, has been authorised to receive and process applications and claims under the scheme. The organisation has appealed to parents, caregivers and eligible beneficiaries to come forward and enrol so they can avail themselves of the medical benefits offered through the programme.
Experts have emphasised that improving awareness through outreach programmes, camps and coordination with hospitals, schools and disability organisations could significantly increase enrolment. They also suggested simplifying application procedures and strengthening grievance redressal mechanisms to improve access to the scheme.
Authorities have urged eligible persons with disabilities and their families to take advantage of the scheme, stating that wider participation would help reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses and improve access to healthcare for vulnerable sections of society.
Low Niramaya health card enrolment raised
- Low awareness among caregivers and families.
- Cumbersome and complex enrolment process.
- Only 403 beneficiaries enrolled recently.
- Outreach camps and simplified procedures needed.
- Seva Bharathi processes applications locally.