Aizawl: Amid ongoing tensions surrounding Mizoram’s Universal Health Care Scheme, the Finance Department has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted cashless payments to empanelled hospitals. The assurance comes in the wake of increasing concerns from private hospitals, government employees, and the general public about the scheme’s shortcomings.
In a government order issued following the 12th Preliminary Committee meeting held on April 14, 2025, the Finance Department committed to sanctioning the requisite amount to meet anticipated hospital claim bills before the end of each quarter. The move aims to sustain seamless cashless payments under the Mizoram State Health Care Scheme. The department stated that the anticipated claim amount for the next quarter would be released in advance to maintain financial stability and avoid service disruptions at partner hospitals.
The commitment from the Finance Department comes at a critical time as debates continue over the scheme’s implementation. Officials expressed hope that this financial assurance would help ease tensions with private hospitals, many of which had raised concerns about delayed settlements as the reason they could not join the scheme.
Despite this intervention, dissatisfaction continues to mount. Under the scheme, citizens must enroll during a designated registration window and choose between three annual premium options for family coverage: ₹2,500 for ₹5 lakh coverage with general ward stay, ₹5,000 for semi-private ward, and ₹10,000 for private ward accommodation. Government employees and civil pensioners are auto-enrolled, with premiums deducted monthly from their salaries or pensions.
However, the Non-Government Hospital Association of Mizoram (NGHAM) had formally declared that private hospitals are opting out of the scheme, citing financial and operational concerns. This decision has left much of the public dependent on government hospitals, which are already overstretched, understaffed, and lacking critical equipment.
The Federation of Mizoram Government Employees & Workers (FMGE&W) had also weighed in, urging the formation of a dedicated committee to review and revise the scheme to better reflect the realities faced by public servants.
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