THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, March 17: Serious concerns over the State Employees’ Health Insurance Scheme were raised in the Jharkhand Assembly, with Sindri MLA Chandreshwar Mahto alleging widespread flaws and poor implementation. Health Minister Irfan Ansari admitted shortcomings in the scheme, even as the BJP launched a sharp attack on the state’s healthcare system.
MLA Flags Denial of Cashless Treatment
Raising the issue through a Calling Attention Motion, Chandreshwar Mahto said the benefits of the health insurance scheme are not reaching employees effectively. He added that state employees are demanding restoration of the earlier system.
The MLA alleged that despite being insured, employees are being denied cashless treatment, forcing them into financial and mental distress.
Case Highlighted in House
Citing a case, Mahto said a Junior Engineer from Khunti spent ₹6.98 lakh on his father’s treatment, but received only ₹1.42 lakh from the insurance company.
He claimed such cases are widespread, where patients are denied cashless facilities before treatment and later face heavy deductions in claim settlements, even in critical illness cases.
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Minister Irfan Ansari Admits Shortcomings
Responding in the House, Health Minister Irfan Ansari acknowledged that the scheme has certain shortcomings, which are being addressed.
On specific complaints of denial of cashless treatment, he assured that the cases would be investigated and pending payments facilitated.
BJP Attacks Government Over Healthcare Crisis
BJP state spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo launched a strong attack, claiming Jharkhand’s healthcare system is “on a ventilator.”
He alleged:
- Severe shortage of doctors, with thousands of vacancies
- Around 60% specialist posts vacant
- 70–80% shortage of nurses in major hospitals
- Nearly 3,000 paramedical posts unfilled
He also raised concerns over thalassemia patients not receiving safe blood and alleged cases of transfusion with HIV-infected blood due to poor screening.
‘Will Minister Deliver Blood on Rickshaw?’
Targeting Health Minister Irfan Ansari, Shah Deo criticised what he called “optics over governance,” referring to the minister’s public appearances.
He questioned whether the minister would now “deliver blood to hospitals on a rickshaw,” and demanded urgent steps to fill vacancies, strengthen blood banks, and implement an emergency plan for thalassemia patients.