Covid positivity rate in Meghalaya above 10 per cent; Govt revises hospital, MHIS rates
SHILLONG:
Terming the rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in the state as a “major cause of concern”, Meghalaya Health Minister Prestone Tynsong on Saturday informed that the positivity rate has crossed the 10 per cent mark in Meghalaya.
Speaking to media persons after a review meeting in Shillong, Tynsong said it’s a worrying fact as the positivity rate in neighbouring Assam is below 1 per cent.
As of August 7, Meghalaya registered 524 fresh cases with 709 recoveries. Seven people succumbed to the virus, out of which, six were not vaccinated.
"It is worrying for the government and the residents of the state. We have been trying our best to reduce the positivity rate to 2 or 3 per cent," Tynsong said.
Terming complacency as one of the reasons, Director of Health Services (DHS) Dr Aman Warr said that ever since economic activities reopened, the number of cases has shot up due to non-adherence to protocols by the general public.
"We have to live with the virus. We have to allow people to work and carry on with their economic activities. That is our priority. But even if we allow such activities to continue, we have to strictly follow the protocols," Dr Warr said.
The Minister also added that the second wave struck the state in April this year and, the infection rate of the delta variant mutant is reported to be higher than the first wave.
The government also asked the public to adhere to protocols while performing the last rites for people who died due to COVID, as per the notification issued on May 4.
Revised hospital and MHIS rates
Meanwhile, the government has also revised the rate for Covid-19 treatment in private hospitals. The new enhanced rates have been divided into five categories.
"The new rates will be effective from August 15," Tynsong added.
The government also revised the rates for COVID treatment under the Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS). For a household, the coverage is Rs 5 lakh and, for each patient, the ceiling is Rs 2.8 lakh.
"With these rates, the out-of-pocket (patient's share of the bill) treatment does not arise. Yes, we can say that the government is providing full coverage for COVID treatment," DHS Dr Warr said.
Recently, the government had launched a special enrollment drive which will continue till July 31.
"For a person who has not been registered under MHIS, on the spot registration can be done at the hospital itself," he added.
The government has also decided to provide support to the mission and private hospitals in terms of ramping up health infrastructures such as ICUs and oxygen plants; engaging all stakeholders in tackling the Covid situation.
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