UKHRUL: The Asian Development Bank has approved a loan of USD 180 million (980 crore ) to the Mizoram government for implementing and strengthening public healthcare scheme in the state, stated a minister on Tuesday (December 16).
According to Press Trust of India (PTI), the loan was approved earlier this month as 90 per cent of the loan amount will be repaid by the Centre, while the state government will repay the 10 percent in 15 years Health Minister Lalrinpuii stated.
In a news conference Lalrinpuii mentioned, “ An agreement will be signed when the Ministry of Finance fixes a date. It is will significantly reduce the state’s expenses on the implementation of the Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme.”
As the loan deal is signed 21 crore is expected to be released within a month based on the existing Disbursement Linked indication, she added.
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PTI also reported that the Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS) was launched in March by the Zoram People’s Movement government led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma.
It offers cashless treatment coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per financial year at government and empanelled private and church-run hospitals and became operational in April.
Mizoram Health Care Society CEO Lalhriatzuali Ralte stated 65,193 families have registered under the scheme in the current fiscal, while over 2.20 lakh families enrolled under Ayushman Bharat are also eligible.
Health Minister Lalrinpuii stated 59,602 beneficiaries have availed treatment under MUHCS, with government healthcare spending crossing ₹100 crore.
She added that the state is upgrading hospitals and medical infrastructure, including expanding ICU facilities at Zoram Medical College and strengthening Aizawl Civil Hospital under the Smart City project.
Disclaimer: All information in this article is drawn from publicly available sources and/or insights provided by the experts consulted.