Editor,
I had a horrible experience whilst using the MHIS service that I enrolled for and I am wondering if the general public has to undergo the same stressful procedure. This happened at a well-known hospital (without any intention to tarnish any) within Shillong city. As I had to admit my wife late evening on a Friday, I had to register at the MHIS counter the next morning as they had closed for the day. The registration process was tedious; I had to visit the desk three times starting at 11:00AM where I handed over the copies of the MHIS card and I was asked to revisit them at 3:00PM as they could not register me directly at that time (at least that is what I was informed). Nonetheless, I went again at the stated time and was asked to return at 4:00PM as for some reasons they still could not register me and then again at 5:00PM and then finally the registration happened only at about 5:30PM.
I accepted the delay as I had bigger and more important things to deal with. On Sunday morning the doctor informed that they would discharge my wife on Monday early morning as she had recovered. Knowing that the billing would take a few hours, I took a day off from work hoping to complete everything by afternoon. I went to the hospital the next day at around 11:30AM as I learnt that the bill had still not arrived even though the doctor clearly stated we could leave early that day. On approaching the nurses-in-charge they informed me that the bill had been sent to the billing counter and that once it passes from there we could clear the same and leave the premises. I headed straight to the billing section and requested for a status update and I was informed that all my bills were at the MHIS desk. I knew what was coming as the previous day’s thoughts haunted me. However, I calmly approached the desk and requested them for the bill status upon which I was told that a patient had to spend 48 hours before any calculations could be made and that literally meant I had to wait until 5:30PM before they would even look at my wife’s file.
I didn’t buy that advice as I was of the opinion that it is 24 hours from the time of registration. I expressed the same to the hospital staff sitting at the desk and she retorted, “So, you are going to teach us how to do our job?” I felt a bit humiliated as there were people surrounding the desk and they heard her statement. That was when I decided to dig out information for myself and not be so ignorant about MHIS policies. After some phone calls I was provided with a land-line number 0364-2507477. I spoke to a very kind gentleman and learnt that as per guideline it was indeed 24 and not 48 hours. After narrating the incident to him, he asked me to pass the phone to the attendant at the MHIS desk. It was only after his conversation with the attendant that my wife’s file was taken up at around 2:00PM and the necessary calculations made and then moved to the billing counter. What if I did not get the number I could call to reconfirm my doubts? I would have silently had to wait till 5:30PM before they even opened the file. This is sheer harassment!
I wonder if there is some kind of a benefit that these MHIS desks at different hospitals avail by releasing patients late? Are these MHIS booths-actually intended to ease the burden of the general public-performing their jobs sincerely? Is the information being passed on to the beneficiaries accurate? What are the checks in this regard? Do we have transparency on the amount covered or do we need to agree with the information given to us as a rebate? The government launched the MHIS Phase-3 in order to lessen the woes of the people in times of distress. Surprisingly, I have only heard negative feedback from people who avail MHIS assistance. A few concerns are (a) incorrect and unclear information (b) long queues and insufficient coverage amounts. I strongly feel that the MHIS team needs to have a helpline number flashed across all hospitals which the general public can call when in doubt. After my experience, I do not know if the people manning these desks at the hospitals are efficient and trustworthy. Once again, I have no intention to tarnish any name in this write up, but this comes as a general concern so that no one else has to face what I did on that day.
Yours etc.,
Rupert Lyngdoh
Via email
We Want Change!
Editor,
Everybody speaks of change. But what sort of change they want is what one fails to understand. Change is possible only if we can change our mindsets and habits. If we are really sincere and determined that our state should prosper and develop then before welcoming 2018 let us welcome the New Year with a new outlook for the upcoming elections. Before choosing our representatives let us examine and question ourselves and pray and seek wisdom from God. As the saying goes, “They set up kings without my consent; they choose princes without my approval.” Accordingly let us cast our precious and valuable votes with the following points in mind. (1) Is the person educated and qualified? (2) Does the person have a mission and a vision? (3) Is the person a social worker or a leader/ law maker? (4) Is the person capable of discussing issues of state with the bureaucracy? (5) Is the person competent to make policies? (6) Is the person free from corruption? (6) Does the person have a reputation for integrity?
The need of the hour is to elect a person who understands laws and policies. We need a legislator to legislate rules and not a fool or a bully. Voters let us not waste our precious votes without examining the above questions. Let us wake up and think for the betterment of our State, our children and great grand children for a better tomorrow.
Yours etc.,
Phyllis Rani
Shillong – 4