Aizawl, Feb 16 (NationPress) In Mizoram, the Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS) has successfully enrolled over 11.55 lakh beneficiaries, greatly improving access to free and quality healthcare for the local population, as reported by health officials on Monday.

The MUHCS governing body convened under Chief Minister Lalduhoma to evaluate the scheme's progress and outline future strategies.

The Chief Minister commended Health Minister Lalrinpuii and MUHCS officials for their unwavering dedication, highlighting that their contributions have bolstered public trust in government healthcare services.

Health officials revealed that over 2.88 lakh families, encompassing approximately 11.55 lakh beneficiaries—including ordinary families, pensioners, and government employees, along with participants from the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)—are currently beneficiaries of the scheme.

For the year 2026-27, around 29 percent of enrolled families have submitted medical claims, accounting for about seven percent of the total beneficiaries.

The average sanctioned payout per patient is Rs 15,106.

A notable increase in patients seeking treatment at government hospitals has been observed, which constitutes approximately 70 percent of processed claims.

Nevertheless, higher-value claims are frequently associated with private hospitals due to the treatment of critical ailments.

The meeting underscored the importance of fortifying government hospitals and ensuring that treatable conditions are addressed within government or empaneled facilities whenever feasible.

Referral protocols for non-empaneled hospitals, particularly in emergencies or life-threatening situations, will receive additional clarification.

Financially, the scheme has received roughly Rs 154 crore this year, with an additional Rs 48 crore anticipated.

To date, 83,682 claims have been processed, resulting in about Rs 126 crore in payouts, while claims worth Rs 38 crore are currently under review and will be settled shortly.

While the rules stipulate payment to empaneled hospitals within 30 days, the state government has opted to release funds on a weekly basis to minimize inconvenience.

To enhance implementation in the upcoming fiscal year, the governing body has approved various streamlining measures, including the establishment of a pharma depot to reduce medicine costs and safeguards to prevent duplicate subscription benefits.

The meeting was attended by T.B.C. Lalvenchhunga, the Chief Minister's advisor, along with other governing body members.