The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), West Jaintia Hills District, in collaboration with the Office of the District Medical and Health Officer, organized an Awareness Programme cum Legal Literacy Event to mark Universal Health Coverage Day on 15th December, 2025, at Greta Solutions Training Academy, Jowai.
A total of 33 participants, including trainees and instructors, attended the programme.
The objective of the awareness programme is to spread awareness about citizens’ rights to accessible and affordable healthcare services, educate the public on various government health schemes and grievance redressal mechanisms and strengthen coordination between the legal services framework and the health department for improved service delivery.
Dr. P. Lamare, District Tuberculosis Officer delivered an informative session on the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), DBT Scheme & Nikshay Poshan Yojana.
Participants were informed about free TB diagnostics and treatment facilities, along with the ₹1000 monthly nutritional support provided under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana. The session emphasized the importance of stigma reduction, early diagnosis, and adherence to prescribed treatment regimens.
The resource persons Dr. A. Khonglah, Sub-Divisional Medical & Health Officer, Shri. P. Bamon, District Programme Manager, Megha Health Insurance Scheme and Smti. I. Manners, Account Manager, National Health Mission explained on Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission – PMJAY, MHIS & AB-HWCs
Information was provided on eligibility, benefits, e-card generation, empanelled hospitals (both public and private), and available grievance redressal systems under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).
The Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS), converged with PMJAY under the MHIS-V phase, offers up to ₹5.3 lakh annual floater coverage per family for all residents of Meghalaya (excluding government employees). It covers hospitalization, OPD, oncology, critical illnesses, maternity, newborn care, and pre-existing conditions from day one via cashless smart cards (₹30 enrollment fee).
Participants were encouraged to access services at Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs), which provide free medicines, diagnostics, NCD screening, maternal health services, and telemedicine facilities.
Participants were introduced to the eSanjeevani teleconsultation platform, which enables remote medical consultations, reduces out-of-pocket expenses, and improves healthcare access for rural and migration-prone areas.
Awareness was raised about key welfare schemes such as Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), and the Chief Minister’s Safe Motherhood Scheme. These programs ensure free delivery, transport for pregnant women and newborns, cash incentives, and postnatal care. The session stressed the importance of women’s health rights and equal access to entitlements.
Smti. F. Lyngdoh, Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel explained the availability for Free Legal Services for obtaining Legal Documents
She also informed participants about the availability of free legal aid services to assist in securing essential legal documents and pursuing healthcare-related grievances through appropriate legal channels.
Later an Interactive discussions was also held, followed by Distribution and screening of informational materials and educational videos in the local language.
Helpline numbers was also shared to the participatants (03642-507477, 1800-102-4762, 15100).
The event successfully enhanced participants’ knowledge of health rights, government welfare schemes, and legal aid mechanisms. It further strengthened the collaboration between the District Legal Services Authority and the Health Department towards achieving the vision of Universal Health Coverage—ensuring equitable, accessible, and affordable healthcare for all citizens.
