ADB Releases First Rs 205.49 Crore Tranche For Mizoram Healthcare Scheme

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has released the first tranche of its USD 108 million loan to support Mizoram's Universal Healthcare Scheme (MUHCS), with the state receiving Rs 205.49 crore, officials said.

The ADB released USD 21.6 million to the Union Ministry of Finance on October 29, 2026, after Mizoram achieved two Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) under the programme. The Centre subsequently transferred Rs 205.4858 crore to the state government on November 5.

Of the amount received, Rs 184.93 crore (90 per cent) will be provided as a grant, while Rs 20.54 crore (10 per cent) will be treated as a loan repayable by the state to the Centre. The entire amount will be deposited in the state's Healthcare Corpus Fund to strengthen the scheme's financial sustainability.

The Mizoram government aims to achieve at least three more DLIs during the current financial year and plans to draw and utilise around Rs 130 crore under the programme. The funding arrangement was also discussed at a tripartite review meeting held in Chandigarh earlier this month involving state Finance Department, Union government and ADB officials.

Mizoram signed the USD 108 million loan agreement on January 23, 2026, and the project became effective on April 1. Initially proposed in 2022 under the then Mizo National Front government led by Zoramthanga, the project was revived by the present Zoram People's Movement government.

Launched in March 2025 and operational from April, MUHCS provides cashless treatment coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh to eligible beneficiaries at government, private and church-run hospitals within and outside the state.

Government employees contribute Rs 200 to Rs 1,500 monthly for unlimited health coverage, while pensioners and their spouses can receive up to Rs 24 lakh annually by surrendering their fixed medical allowance. AB PM-JAY golden card holders are exempt from MUHCS enrolment fees.

The ADB-supported funding is expected to reduce the government's recurring healthcare expenditure and ensure the scheme's long-term sustainability.