Sachin writes to Prime Minister Modi
Cricket legend, Sachin Tendulkar, has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to include all international medallists in the Central Government Health Scheme. The former Indian cricketer sent in a written request to the Prime Minister highlighting the plight of sportsperson who face health problems. The scheme is availed by all government employees who can treat themselves at medical centres associated with the scheme.
Sachin's request to Prime Minister
Tendulkar, who was particularly touched by the tragic incident of former Hockey Olympic gold medallist Mohammed Shahid, cited him as an example in his letter. The hockey wizard died aged 56 in a Gurgaon hospital owing to a severe liver condition and kidney failure. He received no financial aid despite his heroics at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Include international medallists in CGHS scheme
Sachin wrote "I am writing to you as a concerned sportsperson on behalf of all the sportspersons in our country requesting your kind intervention for inclusion of all sportspersons who have won medals internationally in the list of sportspersons eligible for CGHS facilities."
Sachin comes to sportspersons' rescue
The Rajya Sabha member had earlier taken up the issue with both Health and Sports Ministry but he faced a few roadblocks, and decided to approach the Prime Minister. "They were supportive of the idea but shared their inability to consider wider range of sportsperson under CGHS scheme through their reply dated September 14. I completely appreciate and understand their position basis" he said.
Start with a pilot programme
Tendulkar's concerns are that, not every sportsperson is allotted a government job, hence he requested the PM to at least consider international medal winners. "Once we analyse the cost/benefits the same can be extended to additional categories of sportspersons in a phased manner, after value of Pilot Programme is assessed by Health Ministry," he wrote.
Sachin strikes a chord with emotional letter
The legendary batsman ended the letter on a emotional note stating that he too, as an athlete, has been through several injuries with an uncertainty of making a comeback to the sport. He pointed out the mental stress injuries cause and ended the letter by saying medical cost only creates additional burden on athletes. Let us hope PM Modi responds to his letter.
