Patna: Members of the legislative council, cutting across party lines, on Monday demanded that the state govt should introduce a cashless medical treatment system for members of both the Houses and state govt employees, citing difficulties under the existing reimbursement-based mechanism.The issue was raised by MLC Syed Faisal Ali through a short notice question. He said members of the legislative council and assembly, as well as state govt employees, were unable to avail cashless medical facilities, unlike several other states.MLC Nawal Kishore Yadav highlighted delays in reimbursements and slow movement of files. MLCs—Sunil Kumar Singh, Ajay Kumar and Sanjeev Kumar—also shared experiences, stating they did not receive the full amount spent on treatment as a significant portion was deducted.Another member Rajvardhan Azad asked the govt to specify any hurdles it faced in implementing the cashless facility, saying the matter could be resolved without delay.Chairperson Awadhesh Narain Singh referred to interest charged by hospitals when medical-related expenses remain unpaid in some cases and asked whether the govt bears such costs.Replying to the issue raised by the legislators, health minister Mangal Pandey said the matter was under discussion with the finance department as it involved funds. He said a proper policy needed to be framed and the process streamlined, including clarity on whether the model would be based on insurance or assurance. “The govt is discussing the matter and we will come up with the cashless system,” Pandey assured the House.On deductions during reimbursement, Pandey said payments are made as per central govt health scheme rates. He also said the govt does not pay interest on unpaid amounts, as the department covers only medical expenses.
