Aizawl: Mizoram will receive Rs 120 crore in performance-linked central assistance for strengthening public health infrastructure in 2026-27, chief minister Lalduhoma announced on Monday.Lalduhoma made the announcement during a visit to Zoram Medical College & Hospital (ZMC&H) at Falkawn, accompanied by health minister Lalrinpuii and adviser to the chief minister TBC Lalvenchhunga.The state qualified for incentives under two indicators — improvement in the infant mortality rate (IMR) and growth in the number of health facilities certified under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS).Mizoram’s IMR declined from 13 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2023 to 12 in 2024, earning it Rs 20 crore. A 21.07% increase in NQAS-certified health facilities between 2024-25 and 2025-26 secured the maximum Rs 100 crore incentive under that category.The assistance will be provided under the Financial Assistance to States/UTs for Public Health Infrastructure scheme, introduced on the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission. The scheme has a national allocation of Rs 4,200 crore for 2026-27.The Union health ministry has approved Mizoram’s Rs 120 crore proposal and is expected to forward it to the finance ministry by the end of July.The projects include upgrading four community health centres, setting up infectious-disease wards and tuberculosis treatment units at two hospitals, and procuring equipment for TB diagnosis and maternal and child healthcare.Lalduhoma said the performance-based assistance recognised the state’s effective implementation of health programmes. He also inspected ZMC&H’s facilities and reviewed its infrastructure requirements.ZMC&H, Mizoram’s largest hospital, has 519 beds and 494 students, including 97 interns. The National Medical Commission has approved 10 postgraduate seats at the institution.
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