Panaji (Goa): Availing medical services at State-run hospitals in Goa will not be free for the outstation patients from tomorrow onwards. As earlier announced by government, the implementation begins from January 1, 2018 when non-Goan patients will be charged 20 percent of the rate applicable for intervention under the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojna (DDSSY) for availing medical services. These patients will however not be charged for emergency services.

The Committee, formed by the government has submitted its report to the government proposing to charge 20 percent of the rate applicable for DDSSY interventions. The decision to charge outstation patient was taken in a bid to reduce its medical expenses, as the state’s premier government hospital Goa Medical College and Hospital is burdened with patients pouring in from neighbouring districts of Maharashtra and Karnataka.

According to the new rule implemented by the state health ministry, non-Goan patients will also be charged Rs 50 per bed, per day in the four major government hospitals in the state.

The health card issued by the state government under the health ministry’s universal insurance scheme will be used for identifying a local resident from those outside the state. The card has Aadhar card is linked with it.