Rising Support for Medical Aid Under Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ Office

Mumbai : The special medical ward of the Ministry, operating under the office of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has provided significant assistance to thousands of patients across the state. By offering crucial support for expensive and critical surgeries, the medical ward has been a lifeline for many poor and needy patients. These patients receive direct financial assistance from the Deputy Chief Minister’s Medical Aid Cell. In just nine months, a total of Rs. 13.25 crore in financial aid has been disbursed, highlighting the ward’s consistent performance.

Between January 2024 and September 2024, 418 patients were supported through this initiative. The assistance covers surgeries for severe and costly conditions such as heart disease, cancer, liver and kidney transplants, bone marrow transplants, lung diseases, and various organ replacement surgeries. An appeal has been made by the Deputy Chief Minister’s office encouraging poor patients to take full advantage of this charity scheme.

The Bombay High Court has implemented a scheme to provide free and subsidized medical care to economically disadvantaged patients. Every charitable hospital is required to reserve 10% of its beds for free treatment of indigent patients and an additional 10% for subsidized treatment for weaker sections.

The scheme’s online system was launched by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on October 2, and a 24-hour Medical Assistance Helpline has been set up. Citizens can get information about charitable hospitals and the number of reserved beds by calling 1800 123 2211 or visiting the website: https://charitymedicalhelpdesk.maharashtra.gov.in/.

Currently, 468 charitable hospitals are registered under this scheme in the state, offering around 12,000 beds to economically vulnerable patients. This includes notable hospitals like Kokilaben, Mumbai; NN Reliance, Mumbai; Sahyadri Hospital, Pune; and Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune. Workshops have also been held in Mumbai, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Kolhapur to promote the more effective implementation of the scheme. For poor patients with an annual income of up to Rs. 1.8 lakh, treatment is provided free of charge, and those with an income between Rs. 1.8 lakh and Rs. 3.6 lakh receive treatment at a 50% concession.

Compared to other state and central government schemes, this charity scheme is unique as it has no limit on treatment costs. Expensive surgeries, such as cancer treatments, liver transplants, and heart transplants, are offered free of charge to patients in need, making this scheme a boon for the underprivileged.

Currently, the application process is conducted offline. Poor and economically vulnerable patients can submit their application documents either via email at charityhelp.dcmo@maharashtra.gov.in or directly at the state-level special medical aid ward. Required documents include a patient’s or relative’s application, a letter from a public representative, Aadhaar card or identity card, ration card or income proof from a Tehsildar, and the doctor’s prescription.