Aizawl, February 16 (IANS). More than 11.55 lakh beneficiaries have been covered under the state’s Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS), strengthening access to healthcare services in Mizoram. Health department officials gave this information on Monday.
The steering committee meeting of the scheme was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Lalduhoma, in which the progress and future outline of the scheme was reviewed. Appreciating the efforts of Health Minister Lalrinpui and MUHCS officials, the Chief Minister said that their dedicated service has increased people’s trust in government health services.
According to officials, so far around 2.88 lakh families – including general families, pensioners, government employees and beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) – are registered in the scheme. Due to this, a total of about 11.55 lakh people have got health security.
About 29 percent of the families registered so far in the financial year 2026-27 have submitted medical claims, which is about seven percent of the total beneficiaries. The average sanctioned payment per patient is Rs 15,106.
About 70 percent of the claims are related to treatment in government hospitals, which clearly shows that patients’ trust in government institutions has increased. However, claims for higher amounts have been seen more in private hospitals due to treatment of serious illnesses.
In the meeting, emphasis was laid on further strengthening the government hospitals and wherever possible, ensuring treatment in government or empaneled hospitals only. Referral rules for unlisted hospitals in emergency or life-saving situations will be further clarified.
Giving information on the financial situation, it was said that so far in the current year, about Rs 154 crore has been received and Rs 48 crore more is expected to be received.
So far, 83,682 claims have been settled on which approximately Rs 126 crore has been paid. Claims worth about Rs 38 crore are under investigation, which will be released soon.
Although as per the rules there is a provision for payment to the empaneled hospitals within 30 days, the state government is releasing the funds on a weekly basis so that there is no inconvenience.
For better implementation of the scheme in the upcoming financial year, the Steering Committee approved measures to simplify procedures, set up pharma depots to make medicines available at cheaper rates and prevent double membership benefits.
In the meeting, Chief Minister’s advisor T.B.C. Lalvenchhunga and other members of the steering committee were also present.
–IANS
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