Shillong, June 16: The Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP) Central Body has urged the Meghalaya government to address the difficulties faced by rural families due to the mandatory demand for Aadhaar cards of minor children while availing healthcare services and benefits under the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS).
In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Executive Officer of the State Nodal Agency-MHIS under the Department of Health and Family Welfare, FKJGP President Dundee Cliff Khongsit highlighted the hardships experienced by parents and guardians, particularly those residing in remote rural areas, during medical emergencies and healthcare-related procedures.
The organisation stated that many hospitals and healthcare service points insist on Aadhaar cards for children before processing admissions, documentation, or MHIS-related services. According to the FKJGP, this has caused significant inconvenience and distress to families whose children have not yet been enrolled for Aadhaar due to various logistical and administrative challenges.
The federation pointed out that while parents often possess valid Aadhaar cards, they are still required to produce Aadhaar documentation for their children even during urgent medical situations. It argued that such practices disproportionately affect economically weaker sections and rural communities that already face difficulties in accessing essential services.
The FKJGP further cited the Supreme Court’s position that Aadhaar should not be mandatory for availing essential services, particularly where denial could affect the welfare and fundamental rights of citizens. The organisation expressed concern that delays arising from Aadhaar-related requirements could adversely impact patients requiring immediate medical attention.
The memorandum also highlighted several issues affecting Aadhaar enrolment and updating facilities in rural areas. These include slow functioning of registration counters, long waiting periods, technical failures, poor internet connectivity, shortages of operators, and inadequate communication regarding operational status and documentation requirements.
According to the federation, rural residents are often forced to travel long distances multiple times without assurance of successful enrolment, while parents with infants and young children endure considerable physical and financial hardship. The organisation also noted that daily wage earners suffer loss of income due to repeated visits to enrolment centres.
Among other concerns, the FKJGP pointed out that emergency admissions during late hours often become problematic when MHIS counters remain closed, potentially affecting patients’ ability to access claims for emergency tests and treatment.
Seeking immediate intervention, the federation requested the Department of Health and Family Welfare to issue clear instructions to all healthcare institutions that essential medical services should not be denied or delayed due to the absence of Aadhaar cards for minor children. It also called for the acceptance of alternative forms of identification, including Aadhaar details of parents, wherever necessary.
Additionally, the organisation urged the government to strengthen Aadhaar enrolment facilities in rural and block-level areas by increasing the number of operational centres, deploying additional technical staff, and improving monitoring and accountability mechanisms.
The FKJGP expressed hope that the state government would take prompt corrective measures to alleviate the hardships currently faced by countless families across Meghalaya.
