SHILLONG, May 24: Health and Family Welfare Minister, Alexander Laloo Hek, on Monday informed that the state government has decided to enhance the coverage of the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) for treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Speaking to reporters after reviewing the COVID-19 situation at Sohra Community Health Centre (CHC), Hek said that the MHIS will cover 70 to 75 per cent of the expenditure related to COVID-19 treatment.
Maintaining that community spread of COVID-19 has begun in Sohra, the minister said the state government will soon set up a 13-bed isolation centre at Sohra CHC.
“All infrastructures which are required for the isolation centre are ready,” the minister said.
During the review meet, PDF MLA from Sohra, Gavin Mylliem, expressed concerns over the surge in the COVID-19 cases in Sohra area.
He informed that 133 people have been infected by COVID-19 so far in Sohra of which 27 have recovered and seven have succumbed to the infection.
On the other hand, Shella MLA Balajiedkupar Synrem also informed that the COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the border areas under his constituency. Others present on the occasion include KHADC CEM, Titosstarwell Chyne, who is also the Sohra MDC.
FKJGP seeks govt aid
The central body of Federation of Khasi-Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) has petitioned Chief Minister Conrad Sangma for a special sanction for COVID-19 patients and the kin of the victims.
In a letter to the chief minister, FKJGP general secretary, Dundee C Khongsit, alleged that select private hospitals are cashing in on the COVID-19 situation.
He also lamented that many families, who have been affected by COVID-19, are reluctant to go for testing and avail medical treatment as they cannot afford it.
“We, therefore, urge you to sanction a special scheme for those,” the FKJGP leader said.
Demonstration outside Main Secretariat
Meanwhile, members of Hynniewtrep National Youth Movement (HNYM) on Monday held a demonstration outside the Main Secretariat, demanding of the state government to render financial assistance to the lower-income groups, who have been affected by COVID-19 restrictions.
The security in and around the Secretariat area were tightened while the fire tenders were kept in standby.
Talking to reporters, HNYM president, Louis Dohtdong, said the government should consider providing assistance to the ones who are with job ever since the containment measures were announced by the state government.
Stating that the state government is shying from its responsibilities, Dohtdong has also informed that they have submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma in this connection.
Awareness programme in SGH
An awareness programme on COVID-19 was held at Baghmara main market on Monday during which people were sensitised on the need to adhere to COVID-19 protocols.
Speaking during the programme, South Garo Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner, MT Sangma, accentuated the need to responsibly follow the guidelines issued by the government.
She added the impact of COVID-19 can only be curtailed if people conform to the protocols and get inoculated.
Others who spoke during the programme include officer in-charge of Baghmara Police station, Simseng A Sangma, and Additional Surveillance Officer, Baghmara, Dr Bonie D Shira.
