A total of 1,472 journalists have so far been covered by accidental insurance introduced jointly by the Ministry of Information and Communications, Department of Information and the Federation of Nepali Journalists. It had come into effect last year.

The scheme applies to working and independent journalists. It covers medical expenses in case of injuries from accident and also compensation to the dependent families in the event of death from accident.

The requirement to be involved in the accidental insurance scheme is press accreditation by the Department of Information and membership of the FNJ.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister is to form a task force for implementation of the government decision to waive 50 per cent in the health treatment of working journalists. The decision applies to treatment in government hospitals. RSS