In an exclusive interview with  Nagaland Tribune, Dr. Mhasiseno T. Belho, General Secretary of the Nagaland Private Doctors Association (NPDA), addressed the ongoing challenges surrounding the Nagaland Health Protection Society (NHPS) and Future Generali Insurance (FGI). She highlighted discrepancies in their narratives and expressed frustration over the government’s misleading public statements, which have unfairly blamed private doctors and healthcare institutions for systemic failures.

Misleading Narratives and Unfair Blame

Dr. Belho revealed that the NPDA was forced to take action due to the government’s repeated attempts to mislead the public and scapegoat private healthcare providers. She criticized the Nagaland State Government and the State Health Agency (SHA) for failing to honor their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with empaneled hospitals while shifting blame onto doctors and their institutions.

The Dual Perception of the Medical Profession and challenges

Reflecting on the current state of the medical profession, Dr. Belho remarked, “It is indeed a day to reflect on how our profession has come to be called both ‘noble’ and ‘ignoble’ at the same time.” She expressed deep regret that healthcare providers have reached a point where they must defend their integrity and prove their commitment to ethical medical care.

Dr. Belho emphasized the unrealistic expectations placed on private healthcare providers. While doctors are committed to serving the community, she stressed that they cannot operate sustainably without proper financial support and timely claim settlements.

Systemic Issues in the Ayushman Bharat Scheme

Dr. Belho asserted that the State Health Agency (SHA), as the guarantor of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, should take sole responsibility for ensuring timely claim settlements and facilitating smooth operations in empaneled hospitals. She traced the root of the problem to the initial empanelment process, which lacked clear eligibility criteria, unlike hospitals in urban areas.

She also questioned the empanelment of government hospitals under the scheme. “How can government hospitals be part of the scheme when they are mandated to provide free services in the first place?” she asked, highlighting the contradictions in the system.

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Demanding Fair Treatment

Dr. Belho clarified that the NPDA is not seeking confrontation but is demanding what is rightfully owed. “We are here to claim what is ours. It is unfair to treat the medical community this way,” she said. The medical professional revealed that no payments have been made and urged the government to stop making false promises and take concrete action.

Addressing allegations of fraud, Dr. Belho refuted the claims, stating that patients are treated only after the insurance company approves their cards. “We are not deciding who to treat; the insurance company verifies the patient’s eligibility. The treatment comes within a predefined package, and we are not forging anything. How can they call us fraud? We are being made scapegoats because we are an easy target. We have remained silent for too long, but the government’s actions are deceptive,” she said.

Collective Voice of Private Practitioners

Dr. Belho highlighted that the NPDA represents around 200 full-time private practitioners, and this is their collective voice. She dismissed the notion of “handpicked beneficiaries,” stating that the government’s rhetoric in the media is designed to sway public opinion and garner sympathy.

She also pointed out that the government forced hospitals to empanel without proper verification of whether they met international standards. “FGI operates under strict insurance protocols, yet the government allowed relaxations during empanelment. Why can’t they extend similar flexibility in payments? There is no logic in their system,” she said.

Call for Transparency and Action

Dr. Belho reiterated that the government is not presenting the full truth to the public. “The government may have initiated these schemes with good intentions, but the implementation is flawed. The delay in payments has caused undue stress and created numerous problems for hospitals. We urge the government to address these issues promptly,” she concluded.