ProMASS News
Agartala, September 16, 2019: Amid protests by Opposition parties, recently fixed tariffs on health services were officially introduced today at Tripura Medical College and BRAM hospitals.
Speaking to the media persons, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Arindam Datta said, the process of taking charges from the patients is started from today. As per the official notification forwarded to us, we have started the process. However, most of the patients seemed unhappy with the move.
It may be noted, recently, the State Government decided to impose tariffs on health care services in Government hospitals – even as most of the services are free for Antodyay families and BPL families. Moreover, the State Government is focusing on implementation of Ayushman Bharat scheme in which beneficiaries are entitled to cashless treatment. However, both CPI-M and Congress are vehemently opposing the move.
Even as treatment in Government run hospitals in Tripura was ‘free’ – in most of the situation patients, even BPL patients, had to spend huge sum for buying medicines from private pharmacies. Under Ayushman Bharat, cashless facility will help beneficiaries will have to pay nothing – not for even medicines. In Tripura, more than 20 lakhs people are eligible for the Scheme, but not more than 5 lakh have enrolled. Imposition of tariff is expected to expedite enrollment in Ayushman Bharat scheme.
