For the first time, the centuries-old Bombay Parsi mnchayet (BPP), which has over 25.000 members. is attempting to facilitate a voluntary group medical insurance scheme withhin the community. primarily to support its ageing and geriatric population.
The census was an alarm bell for the community as it recorded a significant population decline- —from 69,601 to 57,264. Initiatives like Jiyo Parsi were introduced by the Union govt to address this issue by providing social security schemes for couples. including medical treatment. However. while these initiatives focus on issues such as infertility and childbirth, they only marginally address the needs of the elderly, treating them primarily as dependents in need of financial assistance.
“Parsis are an ageing population, and there is nothing to address that. Individual insurance has high premiums. and these policies are not friendly to senior citizens with pre-existing conditions,” said Viraf Mehta, one of the seven
of BPP. While details are still to be finalised, BPP is in talks with Poonawalla Fincorp for a comprehensive insurance cover
The tentative pamphlet circulating within the community states that there will be blanket insurance coverage without prior medical examination, no age limit and coverage for advanced medical treatments. It also notes that a family of four would be covered up to Rs 20 lakh and that will be “more competitive” than market rates.
‘The community has its one and only Parsi General Hospital, but for super speciality treatments. people are compelled to visit other hospitals where expenses can increase.” said Noshir Dadrawala, former trustee of BPP.
Esahan Kalyanikar
Times of India 100225
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