Health Minister Hovin Leads Discussion on MUHCS with H&FW Department Officials

Aizawl : This afternoon, a review session on the Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS) was held at the Auditorium of the Directorate of Hospital & Medical Education, MINECO. The session was chaired by Health & Family Welfare Minister, Pi Lalrinpuii, and was attended by Principal Director Dr. Lalthlengliani, along with Chief Medical Officers, District Medical Superintendents, and health officials from Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the districts.

Minister Pi Lalrinpuii emphasized that addressing the challenges faced by healthcare workers and the general public is a top priority for the government. She highlighted that healthcare and financial aid for medical treatment are among the most urgent needs of the people. Acknowledging the hardships faced by rural communities in accessing quality healthcare, she stated that the MUHCS has been reviewed and expanded to ensure better accessibility and affordability. She urged all Health Department personnel to ensure its effective implementation so that every citizen can benefit from it.

The minister also stressed the importance of supporting and recognizing healthcare workers, acknowledging their dedication and urging them to uphold professionalism and compassion in their service. She called upon the Health Department to continue working diligently for the well-being of the people.

Additionally, she discussed the referral process for critical patients, emphasizing the need for a more efficient system to transfer patients from PHCs and CHCs to district and major hospitals. The goal is to enhance medical facilities at PHCs (500 beds) and CHCs (270 beds) across Mizoram while addressing overcrowding in urban hospitals. She urged the authorities to expedite the expansion of major healthcare facilities to reduce the burden on existing hospitals.

The minister also announced improvements in the Medical Referral Board system, ensuring that specialist doctors from empanelled hospitals play a key role in medical referrals. This will streamline the referral process and reduce delays for patients requiring advanced treatment.

To enhance the implementation of MUHCS, she revealed plans to recruit additional medical professionals, including:

• 8 Medical Doctors

• 300 Nurses

• 10 Dialysis Technicians

• 10 Laboratory Technicians

• 15 X-ray Technicians

• 6 Pharmacists

• 4 Public Relations Officers

• 3 Accounts Managers

• 15 Data Managers

She also highlighted the importance of advanced diagnostic services and encouraged all stakeholders to work towards an efficient, people-centric healthcare system that prioritizes service quality and accessibility.

During the session, Dr. Hmingthanmawii (Director, Health & Family Welfare), Dr. Ngurchamliana (Director, Hospital & Medical Education), and Pi Lalchhanhimi (Joint Director, Nursing) spoke on the importance of professional integrity and dedication in healthcare services. Attendees were also briefed on the benefits and operational aspects of MUHCS, reinforcing the government’s commitment to universal healthcare access in Mizoram.