No more free testing at RIMS
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 01 2024:
In a major setback affecting healthcare services in the state, especially the poor people, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between NHM Manipur and RIMS Hospital, Imphal in 2017 regarding grant for conducting free lab testing has been brought to an abrupt end.
NHM Manipur, through the MOU, had been providing grants to conduct 57 specific laboratory tests at RIMS Hospital, all of which were offered free of cost to patients.
However, in a communication on March 1, NHM Manipur informed RIMS Hospital of the termination of the support beyond March 31 marking cessation of funding for the free laboratory tests, which had been a crucial aspect of healthcare accessibility for patients in the state.
Consequently, the Standing Hospital Affairs Committee of RIMS convened a meeting on March 30, to address the situation, and resolved to resume charging patients for the 57 laboratory tests, effective from April 1.The rates for these tests will be as per the approval of the 30th Standing Finance Committee of RIMS.
The decision has raised concerns among the populace, particularly regarding the potential impact on access to essential healthcare services, especially for economically disadvantaged individuals who rely on RIMS Hospital for medical treatment.