Govt to extend MHIS benefits to non COVID-19 patients referred to pvt hospitals: Hek

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 6, 2020

The state government is preparing to shift non COVID-19 patients from the two civil hospitals at Shillong and Tura to private hospitals in case there is a sudden outbreak of coronavirus in the state.

The medical expenditure for such patients referred to private hospitals will be borne by the state government through the Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS).

This was informed by the health minister AL Hek after convening a meeting with the representatives of all the private hospitals in the state capital here on Monday.

Hek told reporters that the Shillong and Tura civil hospitals have been converted into COVID-19 hospitals for treating patients infected by the virus. Shillong civil hospital is having 200 beds while Tura civil hospital is with 80-100 beds.

He said in view of this, the state government has sought the cooperation of all private hospitals, which have also given their positive response towards the request.

Stating that there is not a single case of coronavirus in the state so far, Hek however said, “In case there is a positive case of coronavirus, we will immediately shift all (non COVID-19) patients from the civil hospitals to the different private hospitals.”

He also announced that the treatment cost for such patients will be completely borne by the state government under the MHIS Phase-IV.

Asked, the minister said that the benefit of the scheme will also be extended to people who are not beneficiaries.

“We will also extend the scheme to people who are stranded and required medical treatment like migrant labourers and students who are from the different parts of the North East region or outside,” he added.

Those attending the meeting include Robert hospital, Woodland hospital, Bethany hospital, Nazareth hospital, Children’s hospital, Supercare, BSF hospital and others.

The minister also informed that he would also convene a similar meeting with private hospitals in Tura, West Garo Hills District.

The cancer wing building in the Shillong civil hospital has also been converted into a corona care centre. According to Hek, there are people who have been quarantine in the said centre.

Meanwhile following the incident of a patient running away from the Shillong civil hospital recently, the minister said it has been decided that the hospital will be provided with full security cover besides installation of close circuit televisions (CCTVs) and public announcement (PA) system.