Imphal: The Paomee Welfare Foundation (PWF), a non-profit trust under the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU), has disbursed Rs 2.13 lakh as part of its Medical Financial Assistance (MFA) and Immediate Medical Relief (IMR) schemes for Phase-II of the 2023-24 period.
The disbursement ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Manipur Press Club, where Rs 1.85 lakh was allocated to 11 journalists for medical treatment, and Rs 28,000 was reimbursed as immediate medical relief. A total of 12 applications were submitted for Phase II of the MFA for 2023-24, covering treatment costs incurred between October 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023.
These applications were reviewed by PWF’s Medical Board, which includes doctors from RIMS, JNIMS, and Shija hospitals. The Board’s recommendations were approved by the PWF Board of Trustees, though one application was rejected due to the applicant’s failure to provide relevant expenditure invoices.
Among the beneficiaries:
- Sanjenbam Arunbala of ISTV, who suffered a leg injury in a road accident, received Rs 25,000 for internal fixation and skin grafting.
- Borun Thokchom of DY 360, Moiranthem Khagemba Meetei of Sanaleibak, and Sairem Satyajit Singh of ISTV were each awarded Rs 25,000 for the treatment of their immediate family members.
- The widow of Sanoujam Surjeswar of Sangai Express, who passed away due to intraventricular hemorrhage, was granted Rs 20,000 in assistance.
- K. Sharatchandra Sharma, a correspondent of NE News Live, Guwahati, and Impact TV anchor, and Rebika Moirangthem of Ichel Express both received Rs 15,000 for their treatment.
- Wahengbam Tikendra Singh of Manipur Mail, Naorem Ranjan Singh of Sangai Express, and Lairenlakpam Maipak Singh, a Moreh correspondent for Poknapham, were given Rs 10,000 each for their family members’ treatment.
- Okendro Kundongbam of Naharolgi Thoudang was provided Rs 5,000 for his wife’s treatment following an ischemic stroke.
Under the Immediate Medical Relief Scheme, AMWJU’s claim for a Rs 28,000 reimbursement was also fully granted.
PWF has now opened applications for Phase I of the MFA for 2024-25, covering treatment expenses incurred between April 1, 2024, and September 30, 2024. Eligible members of AMWJU, including associate members and retired journalists with at least 10 consecutive years of membership, are invited to apply.
Application forms are available at the Manipur Press Club reception, where relevant documents and invoices must be submitted. The disbursement for this phase will occur in October-November 2024, according to a press note from the PWF Secretary.
