Mizoram launches online medical referral system

The Mizoram government on Wednesday launched an online medical referral system under the state's Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS) for patients requiring treatment outside the state, officials said.

The new digital platform designed especially for government employees was inaugurated by Health Minister Lalrinpuii in Aizawl.

Speaking at the launch, the minister said the initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening healthcare governance and improving public access to medical services through digital technology.

She stressed the importance of efficient implementation, particularly in emergency referral cases, and urged medical officers and health officials to ensure the system is used effectively.

''The Online Medical Referral System must be implemented sincerely and efficiently so that it serves its intended purpose,'' she said.

The minister also highlighted the growing adoption of digital healthcare services in the state, noting that more than 46,000 families have already registered under the MUHCS online registration system.

Developed jointly by the Directorate of Hospital and Medical Education (DHME) and the Mizoram State e-Governance Society (MSeGS), the online portal seeks to address delays and inconvenience faced by ill government employees in obtaining referral permissions, especially those living outside Aizawl district, according to officials.

Until now, Medical Referral Boards operated only in Aizawl and Lunglei, requiring patients to physically process documents through multiple offices before securing approval for treatment outside the state, they said.

Under the new system, District Screening Committees (DSCs) have been established in all district hospitals to evaluate referral cases locally.

Recommendations will be coordinated with the Medical Referral Boards in Aizawl and Lunglei through video conferencing, significantly reducing delays.

Applicants can now seek provisional referral permission online through the portal 'medicalreferralmizoram.in 'by paying a fee of Rs 20, officials said.

The new digital portal is designed for government employees, who will be able to upload forwarding letters and medical board documents directly through the portal.

With the provisional permission, they will have to report to the Mizoram State Health Care Society (MSHCS).

However, MUHCS beneficiaries in the general category must continue to report to MSHCS with the required documents.

As final permission requires physical verification of documents, patients or their relatives will need to approach the DHME office during working hours.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)