Govt urged to fund treatment of IDPs
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kakching, October 28 2023:
Kakching Wairi Kongoi community hall relief camp secretary Mayanglambam Rabichandra has urged the state government to provide healthcare services for internally displaced persons (IDPs) as they have no money for treatment in case of illness.
Addressing a press meet at the relief camp on Saturday, M Rabichandra stated that Youth Union Club (YUC), Kakching Wairi and Ideal Youth Association (IYA), Kakching Wairi Ward No 1 have been running the relief camp under the aegis of Kakching deputy commissioner.
On October 14, camp volunteers took Hijam Babylokeshwari alias Alina (21), daughter of H Nijoy of Sugnu Awang Leikai to CHC Kakching after she got seriously sick.
As her condition worsened she was taken to JNIMS, Imphal on October 15 but doctors referred her to Shija Hospitals.
As her family had no money, he himself contacted Sugnu MLA Kangujam Ranjit on October 19 and facilitated her admission to Shija Hospital on the same day.
Rabichandra continued that on October 24 Alina was successfully operated upon and was discharged on Saturday.
As her health card was destroyed when her family's house was burn down, a hew health card was made for her with the help of CMO Kakching.
But even after using the card at the hospital there was still some due amount left to be paid which the family and the relief camp volunteers could not arrange, he added.
Rabichandra also mentioned that they approached Kakching DC and CMO over the issue but both expressed their inability as there was no provision from government side to address such cases following which MLA K Ranjit was apprised and cleared the due amount of Rs 70,000, he revealed.
Expressing remorse that the government has no provision for healthcare services for IDPs with serious illness, Rabichandra reminded that IDPs are the ones who are suffering after their properties were destroyed.
He further stated that relief committee is not in a position to fund treatment of IDPs as the government only provides Rs 50 per person per week along with edibles and soap for running the camp.
Hence, chief minister and health minister should look into the matter at the earliest and chalk up policy to provide funds for medical treatment of IDPs staying in relief camps, he reiterated.
Rabichandra further thanked MLA K Ranjit for saving the life of the girl as well as extending support to relief camps set up in Kakching district.