This state becomes the first state to opt out of the National Health Protection Scheme ‘Modicare’

This state becomes the first state to opt out of the National Health Protection Scheme ‘Modicare’

Bengal becomes first state to opt out of the National Health Protection Scheme ‘Modicare’
Bengal became the first state to opt out of the National Health Protection Scheme unveiled in the Union Budget, with CM Mamata Banerjeeannouncing on Tuesday the state will not “waste” its hard-earned resources to contribute its share to the programme.

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“The Centre has drawn up a health plan in which 40% of the fund has to come from states. But why should the state spend on another programme when it already has its own? A state will have its own scheme if it has the resources,” the CM said while addressing a public meeting in Krishnanagar.

Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant has pegged the expenses for the Centre’s health plan at Rs 5,500-6,000 crore a year. The Centre has made a provisional allocation of Rs 2,000 crore and wants states to bear the rest. Mamata said her government has made hospitalisation and treatment free in Bengal.