The APSRTC PTD Employees Union has made a strong appeal to the Andhra Pradesh state government. They want the government to restart the supply of free medicines to retired corporation employees. This demand seeks to restore the medical system that was operational before the Road Transport Corporation merged with the state government.
Union Submits Formal Representation to MD
On Tuesday, the union formally submitted a representation to APSRTC Managing Director Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao. Their primary demand was the immediate restoration of free medicine distribution for retired personnel. They want these medicines to be supplied through the existing network of RTC hospitals and dispensaries.
Recalling the Comprehensive Pre-Merger Benefits
During their appeal, union leaders highlighted the robust benefits of the old system. Before the RTC merger, retired employees could enroll in the Retired Employees Medical Scheme (REMS) by paying a stipulated fee. This scheme offered extensive lifetime medical coverage, which included:
- Full medical benefits for both the retiree and their spouse.
- Access to free medicines.
- Outpatient (OP) services at RTC hospitals.
- Financial assistance for treatment at referral hospitals, with coverage up to Rs 4 lakh.
Post-Merger Discontinuation Caused Hardship
The situation changed drastically after the corporation's merger. The previous state government discontinued the REMS scheme. This move caused serious financial and medical hardship for many retired workers who depend on these benefits.
Although the current government issued a Government Order in January to address the issue, the union finds it insufficient. The order extended the Employees Health Scheme (EHS) coverage to retirees from the post-merger period who paid the required amount. However, it only permitted OP services at RTC hospitals and explicitly excluded the supply of free medicines.
The union expressed deep dissatisfaction with this partial arrangement. They argue that denying access to free medicines places an unfair burden on aged retirees who are often financially vulnerable and have ongoing health needs.
Demand for Amendment to Government Order
To resolve this crisis, the APSRTC PTD Employees Union has called for a specific action. They demand that the existing January Government Order be amended. The amendment should fully restore all medical benefits, mirroring the pre-merger system. The most critical component of this restoration is the resumption of free medicine distribution to retired employees.
