163/2026-2027

Aizawl, 11 June 2026: Health & Family Welfare Minister Pi Lalrinpuii today attended the commemoration ceremony marking the achievement of ISO Certification and the receipt of AB PM-JAY Awards by the Mizoram State Health Care Society (MSHCS). The programme was held at SAD Conference Hall-II, MINECO, Aizawl.

Congratulating MSHCS on securing the ISO Certification as well as two National Awards under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)—the Best State (Beneficiary Enrollment) Award and the Best Performing Small State Award for the Highest Number of Bio-Authentications in FY 2025–26—the Minister lauded the dedication, commitment and hard work of all officials and staff, including the Chief Executive Officer, who have contributed to the successful implementation of the Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS).

She stated that MUHCS has emerged as a flagship healthcare scheme for the people of Mizoram and assured that the Government would continue to strengthen and expand the scheme so that it remains responsive to the healthcare needs of the people.

Speaking in detail on MUHCS 2.0, the Minister highlighted that treatment in non-empanelled hospitals is now permitted only under three specified emergency situations:

1. Immediate ICU Admission– when a patient's condition is so critical that immediate admission to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is required and there is no practical opportunity for transfer to an empanelled hospital;

2. Urgent Life-Saving Surgery– when a patient requires an emergency surgical procedure to save life and any delay caused by referral or transfer could endanger the patient; and

3. Emergency Surgery Due to an Accident– when a patient sustains injuries in an accident and requires emergency surgery at the nearest available hospital, even if that hospital is not empanelled under MUHCS.

The Minister urged the public to familiarize themselves with these provisions, as they determine eligibility for reimbursement of treatment expenses incurred in non-empanelled hospitals. She noted that the revised provisions seek to ensure that routine and planned treatments are availed in Government or empanelled hospitals, while continuing to provide financial protection during genuine medical emergencies.

The Minister informed that since 1 April 2026, the Government has released ₹22.7 crore towards MUHCS claims, comprising ₹13.45 crore for treatments availed within Mizoram and ₹9.2 crore for treatments outside the State. She emphasized that timely settlement of hospital bills remains a priority of the Government and assured that all efforts are being made to ensure prompt and uninterrupted payments to healthcare institutions.

She further noted that the Government has significantly enhanced the MUHCS budget allocation from ₹50 crore during FY 2025–26 to ₹130 crore for FY 2026–27.

Encouraging greater public engagement with the scheme, the Minister highlighted the services of the MUHCS Chhawntu Call Centre, which has been established to address public queries and provide assistance regarding the scheme. She also urged citizens to regularly visit the official website of the Mizoram State Health Care Society (mshcs.mizoram.gov.in) for authentic information and updates relating to MUHCS.

Referring to treatment outside the State under MUHCS, the Minister stated that beneficiaries seeking treatment at empanelled hospitals outside Mizoram are generally required to obtain clearance from the Medical Refer Board. To improve accessibility for residents in districts where the Board is not physically available, the Government has introduced a virtual referral mechanism under the supervision of Medical Superintendents in each district, enabling patients to appear before the Medical Refer Board remotely.

Appealing for continued public support and cooperation, the Minister said, “I earnestly seek the support and cooperation of all citizens to ensure that MUHCS continues to serve as a dependable healthcare safety net for the people of Mizoram. I am hopeful that the financial burden and anxiety associated with medical treatment, which have long affected many families, will continue to be alleviated through the scheme.”

The ISO 9001:2015 Certification awarded to MSHCS was achieved under the Mizoram Health Systems Strengthening Project (MHSSP). The certification signifies compliance with internationally recognized Quality Management System standards.

The programme was chaired by Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department, Pi K. Lalrinzuali. MSHCS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Lalhriatzuali Ralte delivered the keynote address. During the event, the Minister also presented prizes to the winners of the Reels Competition—Rody Lalthanzuali, Lalhminghlui and Vanlalchhuanga.

The ceremony was attended by World Bank Task Team Leader Dr. Navneet Kaur and other members of the World Bank team. Presentations highlighting the journey and achievements that led to MSHCS receiving the ISO Certification and AB PM-JAY Awards were delivered by Dr. Lalruatkima Pachuau and Dr. Lalbeiseia Renthlei.