Assessing community-driven healthcare schemes: evidence from villages of Leng, Lungdai and Nisapui in Mizoram, India

Authors

  • V. L. Rorelfela Department of Political Science, Mizoram University, Mizoram, India
  • Lallianchhunga Department of Political Science, Mizoram University, Mizoram, India
  • Zomuansanga Department of Political Science, Mizoram University, Mizoram, India
  • Lalthatluanga Department of Political Science, Mizoram University, Mizoram, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20261050

Keywords:

Rural health, Health security schemes, Local self-governance, Health financing, Beneficiary perception, Grassroots health initiatives

Abstract

This study examines the functioning, governance, and impact of community-based health care schemes in three villages of Mizoram: Leng, Nisapui, and Lungdai. Employing qualitative methods, primary data were collected through structured personal interviews and focus group discussions with Village Council members, scheme beneficiaries, and other local stakeholders. The research highlights the unique features of each scheme, including financial management, enrolment criteria, claim procedures, record-keeping practices, and civil society participation. Findings reveal that while all three schemes provide crucial financial support for hospitalization and enhance access to health services in rural areas, differences exist in governance structures, initial funding, external audits, and reimbursement procedures. Beneficiaries report that the schemes are largely beneficial and fair, though improvements are needed in technological adoption, financial literacy, and medical verification. The study underscores the importance of local self-governance, community participation, and collective responsibility in sustaining grassroots health protection mechanisms, and offers recommendations for enhancing efficiency, transparency, and scalability of such schemes across rural Mizoram.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

YMA in Mizoram stands for Young Mizo Association, which is the largest non-governmental organization in the state. Founded in 1935, it is a secular, voluntary, and non-profit organization focused on the social, cultural, and moral development of the Mizo society through values like truth, justice, and social welfare. Retrieved on 12 December 2025. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young_Mizo_Association. Accessed on 06 December 2025.

MUP stands for Mizoram Upa Pawl, which is an association for the elderly citizens of Mizoram. It is a non-governmental organization that advocates for the welfare of senior citizens and plays a role in the social and developmental activities of the state. Retrieved on 12 December 2025. Available at: https://www.indianculture.gov.in/system/files/digitalFilesICWeb/ICrarebooks/mslrepository/289/Zoram%20Upa%20Pawl%20Chanchin%20Ed.%201st.pdf. Accessed on 06 December 2025.

MZP stands for Mizo Zirlai Pawl, which is the apex students' organization and a prominent pressure group in Mizoram. Retrieved on 12 December 2025. Available at: https://www.mzpmizoram.com/. Accessed on 06 December 2025.

MHIP in Mizoram stands for Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl,the state's largest women's Civil Society Organization (CSO). Retrieved on 12 December 2025. Available at: https://mizoram.nic.in/more/mhip.htm#:~:text=The%20Mizo%20Hmeichhe%20Insuihkhawm%20Pawl,Aizawl%2C%20the%20capital%20of%20Mizoram. Accessed on 06 December 2025.

A self-help group (SHG) in India is a small, informal group, usually with 10-20 women, who come together for mutual financial and social support. Members regularly save money and use the pooled funds to provide loans to each other at affordable interest rates, which promotes savings, financial discipline, and entrepreneurship. Retrieved 12 December 2025. Available at: https://www.nextias.com/blog/self-help-groups-shgs/#:~:text=Self%2DHelp%20 Groups%20(SHGs)%20are%20small%2C%20community%2Dbased%20organizations,Groups%2C%20highlighting%20their%20contribution%20to%20socio%2Deconomic%20development. Accessed on 06 December 2025.

A Gram Sabha in India is the primary body of the Panchayati Raj system in India, consisting of all eligible voters in a village. It functions as a village assembly for direct participation in local governance, where members discuss and approve the Gram Panchayat's budget, development plans, and welfare programs. The Gram Sabha is a permanent and statutory body, and its decisions are final, making it a crucial institution for grassroots democracy and rural development. Retrieved on 12 December 2025. Available at: https://vajiramandravi.com/upsc-exam/gram-sabha/. Accessed on 06 December 2025.

MGNREGS is an Indian law that guarantees at least 100 days of wage employment per year to every rural household that demands it. The scheme provides unskilled manual labor opportunities at the statutory minimum wage, aiming to enhance the livelihood security of rural households and create durable assets in rural areas. Retrieved on 12 December 2025. Available at: https://nrega.dord.gov.in/ MGNREGA_new/Nrega_home.aspx. Accessed on 06 December 2025.

BDO East Lungdar. (2022). Leng Khaw Chanchin. Government of Mizoram. Retrieved on 12 December 2025. Available at: https://bdoeld.mizoram. gov.in/page/leng-village-profile#:~:text=Leng%20 Khaw%20is%20a%20village%20in%20the,an%20lo%20inthen%20darh%20leh%20ta%20a**. Accessed on 06 December 2025.

Census 2011 (n.d) Lungdai Population-Aizawl Mizoram. Retrieved on 12 December 2025. Available at: https://www.census2011.co.in/data/village/ 271184-lungdai-mizoram.html. Accessed on 06 December 2025.

Census 2011 (n.d) Nisapui Population – Aizawl, Mizoram. Retrieved on 12 December 2025. Available at: https://www.census2011.co.in/data/village/ 271179-nisapui-mizoram.html#:~:text=Male-,Female,Census%202026. Accessed on 06 December 2025.

Arora S, Pandey M, Arora M, Gupta K, Sharma V, Nagpal L. Digitization Of Health Insurance Documents For The Cashless Claim Settlement Using Intelligent Document Management System. Procedia Comp Sci. 2024;235:1319–31. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2024.04.125

Pozen R, Vinjamoori A. Self-funding of health-care plans by small firms: Risks and reforms. Risk Management and Insurance Review. 2015;18(2):243–54. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/rmir.12046

Ranson MK. Community-based health insurance schemes in India: A review. Review Article, 2003;16(2):252-62.

Nonkhuntod R, Yu S. Lessons from Thailand: Universal healthcare achievements and challenges. Health Systems & Reform. 2018;4(4):305–15.

Dubey S, Deshpande A, Krishna A, Zadey S. Evolution of government-funded health insurance for universal health coverage in India. BMJ Global Health. 2023;8(6):e011748. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lansea.2023.100180

Downloads

Published

2026-03-31

How to Cite

Rorelfela, V. L., Lallianchhunga, Zomuansanga, & Lalthatluanga. (2026). Assessing community-driven healthcare schemes: evidence from villages of Leng, Lungdai and Nisapui in Mizoram, India. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 13(4), 2062–2068. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20261050

Issue

Section

Short Communication