The “Free Medical Card for Media Persons” scheme, launched by the Department of Information & Publicity, Puducherry, provides free medical facilities to press correspondents and their family members in government hospitals under the administration. The scheme entitles media persons to receive free treatment in Government hospitals or institutions of Puducherry, with the option for an A-Class Special Ward treatment, or the next available lower category ward if special wards are unavailable.
Benefits
- Free medical facilities in Government hospitals and institutions under the administration for press correspondents and their family members.
- Free treatment including hospital stoppages, investigation charges, and treatments in the A-Class Special Wards (or the next available lower category if special wards are not available).
- Identification cards will be issued to eligible media persons for availing these facilities.
- Time of Disbursal: The Medical Card will be issued within one working day from the date of application.
Eligibility:
- The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- The applicant should be a native of Puducherry by birth or by continuous residence for at least five years.
- The applicant must be a press correspondent.
Application Process
Offline
- Step 1: Write a formal letter and attach the required documents (self-attested if necessary).
- Step 2: Submit the application to the following address:
- The Director, Department of Information & Publicity
- 18, Belcombe Street, Puducherry – 605 001
- Phone: +91-413-2334398, 2336415, 2337078
- Email: [email protected]
- Step 3: The Free Medical Card will be issued within one working day from the submission of the application.
Documents Required:
- Nativity and Nationality Certificate (Form-II) from an officer of the Revenue Department, not below the rank of Deputy Tahsildar.
- Media Person’s Identity Card issued by the Directorate of Information & Publicity, Puducherry.
- Two Passport-Size Photographs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What services are covered under the free medical facility?
The scheme covers free treatment, hospital stoppages, and investigation charges in government hospitals. - How can eligible media persons apply for the Medical Identity Card?
Applicants must submit a formal letter with required documents to the Department of Information & Publicity. - What is the timeline for issuing the Free Medical Card?
The card will be issued within one working day from submission. - Can members of the media person’s family also avail of the Free Medical Card benefits?
Yes, the benefits extend to the family members of the media persons. - Are there specific government hospitals/institutions designated for this scheme?
The scheme covers all government hospitals and institutions in Puducherry. - How does the scheme handle the unavailability of A-Class Special Wards?
If A-Class Special Wards are unavailable, the scheme offers treatment in the next lower category of wards. - Is the Free Medical Card valid for all types of medical treatments?
Yes, it is valid for all medical treatments available in the designated government hospitals. - Can media persons from other regions outside Puducherry apply for this scheme?
No, applicants must be residents of Puducherry. - Are there any limitations on the number of hospital stoppages covered under the scheme?
The scheme does not specify limits for hospital stoppages. - What documents are required to accompany the formal letter for the Medical Identity Card application?
The required documents include Nativity and Nationality Certificate, Media Person’s Identity Card, and Passport-Size Photographs. - Are investigative charges covered under the free medical facility?
Yes, investigation charges are covered under the scheme. - Can media persons choose any government hospital for treatment under this scheme?
Yes, media persons can avail of services at any government hospital in Puducherry.
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