Meghalaya to ascertain reasons for high costs for COVID in Pvt. hospitals

Shillong, May 24 (UNI) The Meghalaya government on Monday said that there have been reports of high treatment costs for COVID-19 patients in private-run hospitals in the State.
“The government has received such reports. We would try to find out why the treatment cost is exorbitantly high,” Tynsong told reporters on Monday after the review meeting on the COVID-19 situation chaired by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.
He further said that the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme card would provide succor to the beneficiaries.
Tynsong said the government has also decided to revive essential kits for those who are under home isolation due to Covid-19 positive.
It may be mentioned that during the first wave last year the government had provided essential items for those persons under home isolation.
“Seeing the hardship by those households we decided to provide essential kits from government and asked the district administrations to take the initiative soon,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.
The Federation of Khasi Garo and Jaintia People petitioned the government stating that some private hospitals are trying to take advantage of the COVID-19 patients and fearing high treatment and testing costs many such patients are not coming forward.
The social organizations urged from the government that a special scheme for COVID-19 patients and families of the victims be sanctioned to cover their medical expenses both in private and government hospitals across the state.
Moreover, the state government is also trying to set up more Corona Care Centres across the state. As on May 23, out of the total 1022 COVID beds, 756 are occupied.
Many of the critical patients are from East Khasi Hills and are being treated at hospitals across the state capital Therefore most of the hospital beds in the state capital are to the point of saturation.
Tynsong said the government is seriously ramping up establishment of the Corona Care Centres and said in these centres more patients could be treated.
He also urged those patients who don’t have adequate spaces in their homes to shift in these centres
Meanwhile, Tynsong on Monday asked Thma U Rangli Juki (TUR), Angela Rangad to contest election and serve the people of the State.
Tynsong was reacting to allegations made by the TUR member that there were corrupt practices in providing financial assistance to daily wagers and others who lost their jobs during the national lockdown last year.
“This is an irresponsible statement made by a person of the stature of Angela Rangad which I never expected. Please change your mind we are here to serve the people and guided by the Constitution of India,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.
Tynsong said that he and the government accepts constructive criticisms and also submissions and suggestions given by various groups and individuals.
He informed that last year during the national lockdown, the State received 2, 33, 194 applications from daily wagers, vendors and others who lost their jobs.
“After screening the applications we found out that 1, 81, 491 to be qualified and eligible for the Rs. 2100 special assistance provided by the government,” Tynsong informed.
The Deputy Chief Minister informed that so far 1, 45, 161 have so far received the assistance and to 36, 330 it is being transferred.
He informed that so far an amount of Rs. 30, 31, 41, 200 has been transfered to the beneficiaries and an amount of Rs. 7.50 crore is left.
For the Meghalaya Other Construction and Building Workers Welfare Board, he said that there were 25, 794 workers and an amount of Rs. 12, 0, 89, 700 has been disbursed at the rate of Rs. 5000 per beneficiary.
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