SHILLONG, June 7 � One of the first causalities of the traditional heads� decision not to take part in Government schemes has been the Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS).
The second phase of this �important and popular� scheme of the Meghalaya Government was scheduled for a launch in the State Capital from Pynthormukhrah constituency on June 6.
But the enrollment could not take place with the headmen of various localities in the constituency refusing to take part in the Government programme.
The traditional heads have recently announced that they would not take part in any Government schemes and programmes unless they are empowered by law in Khasi-Jaintia Hills.
Health Minister AL Hek speaking to The Assam Tribune said, the participation of the headmen is necessary as people are informed by them, besides providing the community centres for the enrollment purpose.
Although the Government can make necessary arrangements to inform the public through the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, but the headmen holds sway over the population in their respective localities and villages.
A simple call by these headmen not to take part in any programme is enough for the people to comply with the decision and therefore it is important to bring on board these headmen.
Hek said the Government is now looking into various other options to launch the second phase. �We are now thinking that the second phase of the scheme be launched from Garo Hills region where there is no such issues,� he said.
The MHIS was launched in December 2012 by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma. Initially, the scheme provided medical relief of Rs 90,000 annually to a family of five members and Rs 1.6 lakh in case of critical illness.
Under the scheme, the Government invested Rs 20 crore and also added Rs 30,000 that comes from the Centre under Rastriya Swathya Bima Yojna for Below Poverty Line families. The State Government tied up with ICICI Lombard to pay the insurance benefit.
In the second phase, the medical benefit has been enhanced to Rs 2 lakh and New India Assurance Company Ltd would be the insurance company to implement the scheme. It is estimated that under phase II, seven lakh households would be covered under the scheme.
Several prominent Hospitals have been empanelled by the Government in the State and outside that include NEIGRIHMS and Christian Medical College, Chennai.
