The ICICI Lombard has decided to expand its insurance scheme 'Nirmaya', designed for the welfare of persons with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities.

The scheme, implemented by ICICI Lombard with Chennai-based Alegion Insurance and Broking Company as nodal agency, provides for services ranging from routine medical check up to hospitalization, therapy to corrective surgery and transportation. Medical screening is not insisted for enrolment and production of disability certificate is enough.

Smart/biometric cards provided to the beneficiaries help them get access to services in empanelled hospitals.

The scheme was launched was launched on March 6th by the national trust for the welfare of persons with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities. The Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ms. Meira Kumar, launched ‘Nirmaya'.

Initially the scheme provided health insurance to a maximum of 1,00,000 people below poverty line specially-abled persons in ten districts of Central Delhi in Delhi, Chandigarh in Haryana, Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, Kaimur in Bihar, Agarthala in the North Eastern Region, Raebareily in UP, Erode in Tamil Nadu, Ernakulam in Kerala, Ahmedabad in Gujarat and Bhageshwar in Uttarakhand.

Now this scheme would expand to all states across the country except Jammu and Kashmir, sources said.

This scheme is expected to reduce the financial burden of families comprising of members with mental disabilities. It is also a blessing for the parents of children with mental disabilities as it provides life-long security.

According to the guidelines of the National Trust, any hospital that fulfils certain conditions can treat the mentally disabled under the scheme.

ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited is a joint venture between ICICI Bank Limited and the Canada based $ 26 billion Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited. ICICI Bank hold 74 percent stakes of the company and the rest 26 are held by the Canadian firm.