Fadnavis: State Funds Ensure No Poor Patient Denied Care

Maharashtra is ensuring that no poor patient is denied treatment for serious illnesses due to financial constraints, announced Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently. The state has bolstered its healthcare framework by expanding hospital capacity and integrating more critical conditions into the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana. The Chief Minister's Medical Assistance Fund (CMMAF) has disbursed ₹452 crore, aiding 57,000 patients over the past 18 months.

A digital system has been implemented for transparent bed allocation for impoverished patients in charitable hospitals. While most treatments fall within a ₹5 lakh insurance limit, the state offers supplementary financial assistance, extending up to ₹9 lakh for certain severe illnesses and reaching ₹35 lakh for exceptionally costly medical conditions.

Additionally, free cochlear implant surgeries are now available for children. Artificial limbs and assistive devices are scheduled for distribution to individuals with disabilities on August 9. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari urged the government to focus on reducing the cost of cancer medications, noting their current inaccessibility for many.

A recent health camp in Nagpur screened 31,000 patients, identifying around 4,500 for free surgeries, medicines, and diagnostic tests. An ambulance service was also launched during the event, with various organizations contributing to healthcare funds and donating ambulances.