Panaji: Goa has deferred the launch of its universal health insurance scheme by 15 days due to delay in distribution of health cards, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said.

Speaking at the Independence Day function here, Parsekar said only 40,000 of the 1.38 lakh families registered for the scheme have so far received the health cards, which is why implementation has been delayed by 15 days.

Speaking at the Independence Day function here, Parsekar said only 40,000 of the 1.38 lakh families registered for the scheme have so far received the health cards, which is why implementation has been delayed by 15 days.

One of the major schemes proposed by the state government, it was due to be launched on Monday to coincide with the Independence Day celebrations.

The scheme was delayed because a thorough follow-up could not be conducted on account of a protracted monsoon session of the state assembly, which concluded last week, Parsekar said.

"We were busy with assembly (proceedings) and could not have a desired follow-up. What I have found is that the insurance company is in a position to create 5,000 cards daily so at least those families who have been enrolled should get the cards."

"Of course, over the next few days additional families will also be enrolled. Therefore, instead of starting from 40,000, if we start with one lakh families that will be a good number," Parsekar said.