No Need to Worry About Treatment Costs – The Government is Here to Help!

The state government has prioritized public health, taking numerous steps to strengthen the healthcare system, especially for citizens who cannot afford treatment. These efforts have brought much-needed relief to the masses. In addition, an ambitious program for regular health check-ups has been launched, aiming to assess the health of every section of society. The annual coverage limit per family under the state’s key scheme, the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, has been increased. As a result, there is no need to worry about the cost of treating serious illnesses today.

The insurance coverage under Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana has been raised from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh. Now, the common people can receive treatments worth up to ₹5 lakh under this scheme, instead of bearing huge private hospital bills. Taluka-level hospitals are also offering the scheme’s benefits. Under both the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, lakhs of patients have undergone surgeries free of charge. The scheme has also been extended to Marathi-speaking citizens in 865 villages along the Karnataka border. Moreover, the financial assistance for kidney transplants has been increased from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹4 lakh, benefiting many waiting for such surgeries.

The Public Health Department has launched the innovative Mata Safe – Ta Ghar Safe campaign, targeting women’s health across households. For this campaign, each district received a fund of ₹2 crore for check-ups and medication. Through this initiative, women diagnosed with chronic diseases are being supported in their treatment. Medical camps have been organized for check-ups, sonography, medication, and counseling, with support from specialized healthcare professionals.

Health workers, Asha workers, and Anganwadi staff visit households, spreading awareness about the available healthcare facilities. Through their efforts, various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts, and ENT issues are being diagnosed and treated. In the second phase, 4.39 crore women and 3.13 lakh pregnant mothers across the state have received treatment.

To ensure comprehensive health checks for children and adolescents (0-18 years), the state implemented the Jagarook Palak, Sanbharat Balak campaign. So far, 2.49 crore children from nearly 1,800 schools have undergone check-ups. The campaign, carried out by 9,000 inspection teams, is a joint effort between the Public Health Department, Medical Education Department, Integrated Child Development Department, Tribal Affairs Department, and Social Welfare Department.

This health inspection was conducted across various institutions, including government and semi-government schools, private schools, ashram schools, schools for the visually impaired, and special needs schools. Comprehensive check-ups were also conducted for men, women, and children in orphanages, social welfare hostels, and tribal department hostels under the Healthy Arogya Tarunai, Vaibhav Maharashtra campaign. More than 3 crore men above 18 years of age have been examined under this initiative.

A notable welfare initiative by the government is the Hindu Hrudayamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Appa Dawakhana. This program expanded healthcare accessibility, especially for common citizens. Initially started in Mumbai, these clinics are now operating throughout the state, with 347 Aapla Dawakhanas providing accessible healthcare services.

From August 15, 2023, all hospitals under the Public Health Department began offering free medical services to patients. As a result, the number of outpatients in hospitals has doubled or even tripled in some areas.

Additionally, the state has strengthened its healthcare infrastructure for heart patients, with Cathlab facilities available at 12 locations and MRI services at 17 locations. Plans are underway to expand these services to all districts across the state.

The process of establishing new mental health and de-addiction centers in Jalna, Bhiwandi, Pune, and Nagpur has been initiated. Additionally, a state-of-the-art regional psychiatric hospital is being set up in Udegaon, Thane, and Kolhapur districts. Modeled after the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), this hospital will feature advanced facilities including a surgery center, intensive care unit, research and training departments, a sports wing, and yoga and meditation services.

Cataracts are common among the elderly, and the state government has launched the Cataract-Free Maharashtra Campaign to address this issue. Through this initiative, the goal of a cataract-free state is becoming a reality, with lakhs of people already having undergone surgery.

Cancer rates have also been rising, with breast, cervical, and oral cancers being particularly prevalent. Cancer treatment is often costly, so to aid patients, the government has established Chemotherapy Day Care centers in district hospitals across 34 districts. These facilities make cancer treatment more accessible. In addition, 8 mobile cancer diagnostic units are operational to assist with early detection. Regular health department surveys are helping to identify suspected cancer cases, and biopsies are being conducted when necessary.

For kidney patients, dialysis services are available in 234 taluka-level rural hospitals. For hemophilia patients, Haemophilia Day Care centers have been set up in every district hospital. The Vatsalya scheme is being implemented to improve the health of expectant mothers and children up to two years of age, helping to reduce the number of low birth weight babies and birth defects. To lower maternal and infant mortality rates, the Maherghar scheme has been expanded in tribal and remote areas.

Additionally, the government has approved the procurement of 1,756 ambulances equipped with modern facilities and expert medical teams, which will greatly improve emergency response times for citizens in need of treatment. Each taluka will also receive a hearse vehicle. Mortuary services are currently available in 36 locations and will soon expand to 352 locations across the state.

Through these and various other initiatives, the state government is taking significant steps to enhance healthcare access and improve the well-being of its citizens.