Aizawl, March 16 Chief Minister Lalduhoma launched the upgraded version of the Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme and a dedicated 24-hour call centre on Monday.
The new version of the scheme, which will come into effect from April 1, introduces stricter emergency protocols and expanded funding.
Speaking at the launch, Lalduhoma said that despite significant financial investment, the tangible benefits to the people have encouraged the government to continue the scheme.
"The state government remains committed to continuing and strengthening the healthcare scheme despite the significant expenditure," he said.
The CM said that Rs 130 crore has been allocated in the 2026-27 budget for the implementation of MUHCS, supplemented by Rs 26.42 crore in contributions from government employees.
He also said that a loan of over Rs 800 crore has been secured from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to ensure the long-term sustainability of the state's universal health coverage.
According to him, a key policy shift under MUHCS 2.0 is the tightening of "emergency care" provisions.
He said that treatment at non-empanelled hospitals will now be strictly limited to three specific categories – immediate ICU admissions, urgent life-saving surgeries, and immediate surgeries necessitated by accidents.
The chief minister urged the public to complete registrations before April 15.
The MUHCS was launched in March last year and became operational on April 1.
The scheme provides up to Rs 5 lakh in annual coverage for cashless treatment at government facilities, as well as empanelled private and church-run hospitals.
More than 2.88 lakh families enrolled as beneficiaries in the first phase, officials said.