SHILLONG:

The Meghalaya government has decided to extend an ex-gratia payment of Rs 50,000 to be provided to the next of kin of COVID deceased and has also decided to enhance the Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) for COVID patients.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said that after inputs from the Health Department, the government has decided that the families of deceased COVID-19 patients will be extended an ex-gratia payment of Rs 50,000 per deceased with effect from April 1, 2021.

As for the financial involvement, he said that from April 1 till date the number of deaths is between 340-350

Again, after due deliberation, the government has decided to increase MHIS coverage from Rs 4,900 per day up to a maximum of Rs 60,000 for COVID-19 patients.

“The coverage and benefits extended through MHIS for patients or beneficiaries who are enrolled under the MHIS, the government has decided to increase coverage from Rs 4,900 per day up to a maximum of Rs 60,000,” Tynsong said adding that the coverage will apply only to COVID patients.

Speaking about the benefits of the scheme, he said the new scheme will help many households who encounter health problems.

Speaking about the enrolment under MHIS, Tynsong expressed disappointment and mentioned that enrolment covered under MHIS is just 58.5 per cent. 

The Minister urged all eligible citizens to come forward and enrol for the MHIS scheme so that the benefits can be extended to everyone.

In addition to extending the health benefits, the government has also recognised journalists and media persons as frontline workers in the state.

(Edited by Shankar Kumar Turha)

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