Even as digital payment methods are today increasingly in use and popular, some institutions in Nagaland are yet to adapt to cashless transactions.
One of the institutions is Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) as patients and their families have expressed exasperation over the lack of payment options and continuing with cash transactions.
Speaking to Nagaland Post, a family member of a patient highlighted the difficulties faced due to the lack of digital payment options. “In emergency situations, patients or their families often struggle to arrange cash. Running to ATMs or searching for cash delays critical treatments and adds stress during already difficult times,” he said.
With many businesses and institutions adopting cashless systems for convenience, the absence of digital payment facilities at the hospital has been lamented by patients. Families dealing with medical emergencies say reliance on cash transaction was frustrating.
The issue highlights the need for hospitals and healthcare institutions to integrate digital payment methods so as to ensure smoother transactions and reducing the burden on patients during medical crises.
When this Correspondent contacted Naga Hospital Authority Kohima officials to enquire about how they were addressing the issue, a representative informed that since last year, they had begun receiving complaints but faced their own set of challenges.
However, they assured that the matter was being actively addressed. The representative said that the hospital also acknowledged the needs and grievances of the public.
In order to resolve this, a separate bank account has been opened, the representative said.
With the appointment of a qualified accountant, the representative said the hospital was now prepared to implement digital and cashless payment system, which was expected to be operational by the first week of April. Also for the convenience of the public, NHAK has requested the installation of another ATM on the premises.