SHILLONG, June 29: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Wednesday called for uniformity in medical reimbursement for all government employees and pensioners, regardless of their position.
VPP MLA from North Shillong, Adelbert Nongrum, informed that he had already spoken in this regard with Health Minister, Ampareen Lyngdoh, over phone since she was in the national capital.
“I was assured by her (Ampareen Lyngdoh) that she will examine the matter,” Nongrum said.
Meanwhile, in a petition to the Health Minister, Adelbert said that many government employees as well as pensioners are aggrieved with the CGHS rate, which, according to them, is very low.
Informing that his party has petitioned the government for consideration of their case as the rate recommended is too less, Adelbert said the excess amount that the government employees have to bear for medical treatment is a huge burden for them.
“Besides the health issues, they are confronted with extra burden that has been put on them to meet the cost of the treatment,” the VPP legislator said.
Stating that he was dismayed at the turn of events, Adelbert said the government, through the expert committee, has considered the case of only certain categories of employees holding high positions or had held positions in office.
“The disparity speaks for itself, if sicknesses and disease do not differentiate between individuals, yet when it comes to reimbursement a distinction or a class of its own has been created. There is no provision in the MMA rules, 2021, for reimbursement at any certain percentages, viz. 80% or 70% neither there is any provision in the MMA rules, 2021 for an expert committee to review any specific cases relating to reimbursement issue,” he said.
Nongrum requested the health minister to look into the matter and to issue necessary order for having uniformity in the reimbursement of medical claims for all categories of employees and pensioners, irrespective of the position they hold.
“It may be suggested that the CGHS rate can be done away with to avoid the disparity and status quo may be maintained,” the VPP legislator added.
