Free insurance cover for docs tackling H1N1

Pune: Some relief for doctors treating H1N1 patients in Pune, the city that has faced the brunt of the virus attack. An insurance company is now offering them a life cover.

Pune-based insurance company, Bajaj Allianz has offered staff at the Naidu hospital, the Sassoon hospital's critical care ward and the National Institute of Virology, free life insurance cover.

CEO, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Kamesh Goyal said, "This is a token of appreciation for the risk they were taking while treating the patients."

The policy covers 905 doctors, nurses and other medical staff, even drivers, who come in contact with swine flu patients during their checking, treatment or transit.

The total insurance cover extends to more than Rs 18 crore rand offers Rs 1- 5 lakh in case of death of any of those covered under this policy in the next one year.

Dean, Sassoon Hospital Dr Arun Jamkar said, "The appreciation is coming from the society and that is our biggest motivating factor."

There's more. The company is now considering extending this free insurance cover for hospitals and scientists engaged in fighting the disease in other cities as well.

Pune emerged as the epicentre of Swine flu in India last month. And while residents were at high risk, it were doctors at the Naidu and other designated hospitals that fought the infection day in and day out.

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