Aarogyasri health scheme to get patent

Aarogyasri, the unique community health insurance scheme launched by Andhra Pradesh government, will soon get the patent, reports Ashok Das.

Aarogyasri, the unique community health insurance scheme launched by Andhra Pradesh government, will soon get the patent.

The Aarogyasri Healthcare Trust, which administers the scheme that has saved 450000 lives since launching in 2007, has formally applied for Intellectual Property Rights and will be getting the same anytime soon, health officials informed Chief Minister K Rosaiah on Sunday.

“Several states and agencies from different parts of the country and abroad have showed interest in replicating the scheme in their respective areas. Once we get the IPR, we can hire or transfer the copyright to them and charge a consultation fee,” A Babu, CEO of the Healthcare Trust said.

The Aarogyasri scheme provides financial protection to families living below poverty line. It provides upto Rs. 2 lakhs in a year for the treatment of serious ailments requiring hospitalization and surgery. 330 surgical procedures are covered under the scheme.