Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday said the state government will soon launch a new health insurance scheme with cashless facilities, providing coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh to beneficiaries.
He said the scheme is expected to be implemented soon.
Lalduhoma said the state government has faced hurdles in securing a Rs 1,000 crore loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), initially sought by the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) government.
“However, despite efforts, the loan could not be secured, prompting the government to develop an alternative plan,” he added.
The chief minister recently held a meeting with representatives of the Non-Govt Hospital Association of Mizoram (NGHAM), after which the government decided to proceed with launching the scheme.
The NGHAM expressed concerns that the state government might not be able to pay healthcare bills incurred in private hospitals. However, the association leaders agreed to the proposal after receiving assurances from the government, Lalduhoma said.
The chief minister said discussions have been held with pensioners, employees, and private hospitals to ensure support for the scheme.
“We are confident that we can implement the healthcare scheme with Rs Rs 5 lakh coverage per year from our own funds, without borrowing from ADB,” he said.
The proposed scheme will offer cashless treatment, and the government hopes to finalise agreements with private hospitals soon.
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The chief minister said arrangements for the scheme will be made during the budget session of the state assembly, with the scheme expected to be launched at the beginning of the next financial year.
Currently, the state is implementing the Mizoram State Health Care Scheme (MSHCS), introduced by the MNF government in 2019, which provides coverage up to Rs 2 lakh per year.
