Mizoram: Universal Health Care Scheme Benefits 131 in First Week, Private Hospitals Sector Opts Out of Scheme

Chief Minister Lalduhoma launched the MUHCS on March 19, and the scheme became operational on April 1.

Mizoram’s Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS), launched to ensure cashless medical treatment for all residents, has made a strong start by supporting 131 patients across 13 empanelled hospitals within its first week of operation. The state government has already disbursed more than Rs. 6.7 lakh to participating healthcare institutions.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma launched the MUHCS on March 19, and the scheme became operational on April 1. The scheme aims to offer accessible and completely cashless healthcare to all residents of the state.

Among the hospitals receiving the highest payments were the Mizoram State Cancer Institute (MSCI) in Zemabawk and Zoram Medical College & Hospital (ZMC&H) in Falkawn. They received Rs. 2,35,508 and Rs. 2,35,472 respectively.

The 13 empanelled hospitals currently providing cashless treatment include major public institutions such as MSCI, ZMC&H, Civil Hospital Lunglei, and district hospitals located in Kolasib, Serchhip, Mamit, Saitual, Khawzawl, and Hnahthial. In addition, primary health centres in Khawbung, Chhingchhip, and Khawhai are also offering services under the scheme. Rapha Daycare Centre in Aizawl, the only private hospital on the list, is also participating.

Despite the successful beginning, the scheme has faced opposition from the Non-Government Hospital Association of Mizoram (NGHAM), which has chosen to opt out of MUHCS. The association cited financial risks, expressing concern over the state’s history of delayed payments under previous health schemes. NGHAM warned that a fully cashless model could seriously threaten the sustainability of smaller private hospitals.

According to the association, private hospitals in Mizoram have already suffered losses of over Rs. 4 crore due to delayed reimbursements in earlier government health programs. NGHAM has urged the government to limit the cashless model to public hospitals and continue a reimbursement-based system for private institutions.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Mizoram Government Employees & Workers (FMGE&W) has also raised objections to the inclusion of government employees in the scheme. The federation expressed dissatisfaction with unclear coverage limits and cost ceilings. It called on the government to provide greater transparency on the benefit structures and the extent of coverage under MUHCS.

Also Read: Mizoram-Japan Begin Talks to Send Mizo Youth Abroad for Jobs in Caregiving and Hospitality

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