Forum demands free treatment for COVID-19 patients from poor economic background

In a statement issued on Thursday, spokesperson of the forum Thomas Passah said that they have put up a suggestion to the government to consider free treatment for Covid-19 patients and to take the assistance of the MHIS subsidies to achieve the same.

“However, the health department has issued a statement clarifying that all Covid-19 patients can avail subsidies of MHIS. We would like to reiterate that our proposal is to consider complete free treatment for Covid-19 Patients especially of those poorer sections of the society,” Passah said.

He said the forum also requested the state government to ensure all households which are economically backward and do not have the NFSA cards be included immediately under the NFSA, AAY and PHH scheme so that it would be a relief to these families.

“We have found out that there are many households who are economically backward who are not having cards issued under NFSA Scheme. The reason(s) being that most of the household under the direction of the authorities concerned have surrendered/deposited their old BPL card so that new cards can be issued to them under the NFSA, however, most of these application are pending with the authorities in the State Government, therefore these household are not able to avail the benefits from the scheme,” he added.

Passah also pointed out that the Ministry of Ayush Government of India in different parts of India are doing a recommendable efforts for containing the further transmission of Covid-19.

He said in Shillong the authority of NEIAH, Mawdiangdiang has been provided a tablet name AYUSH-64 for Covid-19 patients as well as for asymptom persons helping for early recovery and building up the immune system which is helpful for the purpose with no side effect since it is an ayurveda medication.

“We therefore suggest that the government should coordinate with the NEIAH authority for the same for the welfare and safety of the general public,” he added.

Regarding the plight of the farmers due to the pandemic, the spokesperson while acknowledging the steps taken by the agriculture minister and the government in allocating specific places for sale of agricultural produce, however said, the farmers from rural areas might have difficulties running around for car passes which might consume precious time.

He suggested that least efforts should be made for the sale of produce by the farmers.

“We greatly appreciate the Government for finally earmarking their location for treatment of Covid-19 Patients including ITI. However, if more such locations could be earmarked for the purpose, the risk of isolating these positive cases in the home could be avoided,” Passah further added.

By Our Reporter