CM’s Medical Assistance Cell Provides Lifeline: ₹9.62 Crore Aid Disbursed to Needy Patients in Six Months

Nagpur : To ensure that every citizen of Maharashtra lives a dignified life, the Chief Minister’s Office has prioritized the effective implementation of various government schemes and laws that offer essential services such as education, employment, and healthcare. Among these, special attention has been given to providing immediate financial support for treatment of life-threatening illnesses through the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Fund Cell.

This vital support system is now operational across the state, including a key center at Hyderabad House in Nagpur. Established under the vision of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Nagpur Medical Assistance Cell has become a crucial pillar for patients from the Vidarbha region, sparing them the need to travel to Mumbai for financial aid applications. Since its inception in 2015, and particularly after CM Fadnavis assumed office for the third time, the cell has gained significant momentum.

From January to June 2025 alone, the cell provided financial assistance worth ₹9.62 crore to 1,113 economically weak and eligible patients suffering from critical or chronic diseases. These funds helped cover treatment expenses and were directly transferred to the respective hospitals through the Nagpur District Collector’s office.

Previously, families were required to travel to Mumbai to submit applications for financial assistance, often facing logistical challenges and delays. Recognizing this hardship, the Hyderabad House Cell was created in Nagpur to decentralize the process and ensure faster help for poor patients across all 11 districts of Vidarbha—Wardha, Chandrapur, Gondia, Bhandara, Gadchiroli, Amravati, Akola, Yavatmal, Washim, Buldhana, and Nagpur.

Since January 2017, the Hyderabad House Cell has been disbursing funds directly to patients for treatment. Given the availability of advanced healthcare facilities in Nagpur, the assistance cell has proved to be a lifeline for thousands in the region. The approved assistance amounts are disbursed to the treating hospitals via the District Collector.

Breakdown of Aid (January–June 2025):

• January: ₹2.37 crore to 263 patients
• February: ₹1.14 crore to 141 patients
• March: ₹1.48 crore to 175 patients
• April: ₹1.56 crore to 182 patients
• May: ₹1.23 crore to 147 patients
• June: ₹1.81 crore to 205 patients

Compensation to Families of Deceased Workers:
On April 11, 2025, seven workers lost their lives in an industrial accident at MMP Industries Ltd. in Umred, Nagpur. Taking swift action, CM Fadnavis directed the release of ₹35 lakh (₹5 lakh each) to the families of the deceased through the CM’s Medical Assistance Fund.

Governance and Coordination:
Dr. Sagar Pandey serves as the Chief and Member Secretary of the CM Medical Assistance Fund (Vidarbha Cell). Ram Eshwar Naik, Special Duty Officer at the Mantralaya in Mumbai, oversees coordination across all CM Medical Assistance Cells in the state. An executive committee comprising the Divisional Commissioner, Deputy Director of Health Services, and District Surgeon is responsible for scrutinizing applications and approving aid.

Through this visionary initiative launched by CM Devendra Fadnavis, poor and underprivileged patients in Vidarbha now receive crucial financial support for medical treatment without unnecessary hurdles. This effort has strengthened public trust in the government’s commitment to stand by citizens in times of need, reinforcing the CM’s role as a guardian of the people.