The Andhra Pradesh Public Transport Department (APPTD-APSRTC) Employees Union is calling on the state government to urgently bring back the vital Retired Employees Medical Scheme (REMS).
In a formal appeal presented to Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of the A.P. State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) on Tuesday, union leaders P. Damodara Rao (State president) and G.V. Narasayya (general secretary) highlighted the severe hardship faced by former employees. They explained that prior to the corporation’s integration with the government, retired RTC workers could voluntarily enroll in the REMS by making specific contributions.
This crucial scheme ensured comprehensive medical care, including facilities and medicines at RTC-approved hospitals, for retired employees and their spouses. Furthermore, the RTC management offered coverage up to ₹4 lakh for lifelong medical support through various referral hospitals. However, the REMS was unfortunately discontinued in 2020 following the merger, plunging nearly 6,000 retired personnel into a state of acute distress due to the absence of essential medical assistance.
The union representatives emphasized that despite a government order (GO) being issued in January of this year, the scheme has yet to be implemented, leaving retired employees to grapple with ongoing medical challenges. They passionately urged the government to promptly reactivate the scheme, ensuring that former workers have the option to contribute and access these much-needed medical benefits.