Substance users will be provided with a one-time assistance of Rs 32,000 through the Drug Reduction, Elimination, and Action Mission (DREAM) as medical assistance for them to undergo detoxification and rehabilitation treatment outside the state.
South West Khasi Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner in a pres release today informed that the financial assistance is only for three months treatment and rehabilitation course, which is inclusive of detoxification, rehabilitation and travel expenses for patients belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) and possessing such document proof.
However, amount exceeding the financial assistance will have to be borne by the clients.
She also informed that the Social Welfare Department will fix the targets for the total number of beneficiaries as per need and assessment. “In the advent of reduced/ low availability of beds at public health care facilities, the hospital supervisors will expedite referrals to private facilities, wherever possible. The mission will also supplement the existing infrastructure through the development of Rehabilitation, De/Addiction and counseling centres, community peer led intervention centres in the State through Model Treatment and Rehabilitation Centres and Focused Interventions services in a phase wise manner,” the release said.
To avail financial assistance a patient is required to submit an application letter addressed to the District Social Welfare Officer accompanied by medical certificate duly countersigned and sealed by the authorized medical attendant not below the ranking of a Superintendent of a government hospital or the district Medical & Health Officer.
A Certificate in original from the Block Development Officer (BDO) quoting full name, designation, telephone number and complete official address of the certificate issuing authority regarding occupation and monthly/yearly income of the applicant and his/her family members from all sources. Prior approval of the Director of Social Welfare, Meghalaya, Shillong is required to refer the patient for treatment and rehabilitation.
Additionally, the applicants must submit Below Poverty Line (BPL) Card or Ration Card, two passport size photographs of client (one pasted on application letter and the other stapled on the application), Copy of EPIC Card or Aadhaar Card or Residential Proof of address, Original Medical Certificate incorporating the type of disease and referral.
Furthermore, financial assistance is not admissible for diseases of common nature where treatment is not expensive and financial assistance is also not admissible for T.B. cases for which free treatment is available under National T. B. Control Programme, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C and other medical conditions.
Cases for treatment in private hospital are not entertained. Only those having annual family income up to Rs 1 lakh and below are eligible for financial assistance.
