By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 18: Member of the Meghalaya State Health Advisory Board, Mayralborn Syiem, has said that while the Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) is a major government initiative, challenges remain, especially in curbing the high charges levied by private hospitals.
“MHIS is there. This is one of the initiatives taken by the government. See, it is not 100% under the purview of the government to control the price or the rate charged in private hospitals. It’s like we are talking about the mandis—the open market where vegetables, in some areas, are sold at Rs 10 per kg, and in certain areas at Rs 20 per kg. There is imbalance in the price, even in healthcare,” Syiem, who is also the legislator of Nongpoh, explained.
He acknowledged the growing concern over private hospitals overcharging patients. “We have seen many entrepreneurs come up with private hospitals and overcharge, which is a huge concern,” he said.
Highlighting the role of empanelled hospitals under MHIS, he said, “What the government has done is empanel those hospitals and include them under the coverage of the MHIS card. That is a very positive approach taken years back. This is the kind of policy matter that needs to be discussed thoroughly, where the government has to take everybody on board to ensure that the citizens of the state, especially those from low-income backgrounds, do not face hardship.”
Syiem then urged all eligible citizens to enrol under the MHIS, noting that some families still hesitate due to fear of overbilling. “I have seen myself also there are few families who restrain from enrolling themselves. When overbilling in hospitals happens, it isn’t easy for them. So by availing this card, it is of great help,” he stressed.
On the issue of quality and affordability of healthcare, Syiem said, “Yeah, the endeavour of the government is that only, to provide better facilities in the health sector. Now, this is a challenge to a great extent, be it in many government hospitals. Even though there are many challenges, patients are being treated. I’m not saying 100%, but they have been treated very well under Civil Hospital, NEIGRIHMS and various district hospitals. They have been given services as much as the government can.”
He noted that different state governments follow different health policies but maintained that Meghalaya’s focus remains on improvement.
“At the end of the day, it is our endeavour to try to find ways and means to ensure that we’ll have better healthcare facilities within the state in days to come,” he concluded.
