Aizawl: The Mizoram government has extended the enrollment deadline for the Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS) 2.0 to May 15, providing additional time for citizens to secure health coverage.
Originally slated to conclude on Wednesday (April 15), the extension came at a critical time as the state prepares for the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) elections.
Because the Model Code of Conduct is currently in effect, the health department had to seek special clearance from the Mizoram State Election Commission to announce the extension.
While the commission permitted the move to ensure public welfare remains uninterrupted, it warned that the extension must not be leveraged for political advantage during the campaign period, an official said.
The grace period window for MUHCS registration, which was previously scheduled to open with a 50 per cent additional enrollment fee in June, has been cancelled.
Except for general contributory beneficiaries, government employees, civil pensioners, and Golden card holders or beneficiaries of the Centre’s AB PM-JAY scheme need not separately enroll for the health care scheme.
The current Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government launched the Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS) 1.0 in March last year to provide cashless treatment at government facilities, as well as empanelled private and church-run hospitals within and outside the state.
The second phase of the healthcare scheme was unveiled by Chief Minister Lalduhoma last month.
The scheme provides up to Rs 5 lakh health cover to general beneficiaries on payment of an annual fee or premium based on their choice of ward, Rs 2,500 for general ward, Rs 5,000 for semi-private cabin, and Rs 10,000 for private cabin.
Government employees, including contractual and muster-roll staff, contribute a monthly fee ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 1,500 based on their pay scales to avail of unlimited cover.
The government has also recently restructured benefits for pensioners. Their fixed medical allowance (FMA) of Rs 1,000 per month now serves as the baseline subscription fee, exempting them from the monthly contributions required in the first phase.
Pensioners and their spouses can avail up to Rs 24 lakh cover per financial year.
According to officials, more than 2.88 lakh families, including Golden card holders, enrolled during the first phase spanning April 2025 to March 2026.
Meanwhile, the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) and the Congress have criticised the healthcare scheme, alleging that it is inaccessible to common people.
Speaking to reporters in Aizawl on Wednesday, MNF general secretary Dr Lalrinzuali alleged a lack of transparency and “hidden agendas” in its implementation.
“The MUHCS, in its current form, remains inaccessible to the general public, rendering the scheme ‘meaningless’ for those it was intended to serve. Therefore, the scheme should be revamped to ensure it meets the needs of citizens,” she said.
Recently, senior Congress leader and former MLA Joseph Lalhlimpuia accused the government of exploiting the public through high healthcare registration fees and maintaining secrecy regarding hospital agreements.
He said that while beneficiaries are allowed to claim reimbursement at high-cost empanelled hospitals outside the state, they are barred from availing the same facility at local private hospitals.
He also pointed out a significant hike in registration fees, which he claimed is pushing healthcare out of reach for the common man.
According to him, during Congress rule, healthcare registration fees were Rs 200 and Rs 500, but under the ZPM government, they have increased to Rs 2,500 for general ward, Rs 5,000 for semi-cabin, and Rs 10,000 for cabin under MUHCS.