Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 11: In a major relief to poor and needy patients, the Maharashtra government has expanded its integrated health schemes to provide financial assistance for treatments costing above Rs 5 lakh.

The Public Health Department on Friday issued a Government Resolution detailing the implementation of the expanded Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. The move is expected to provide crucial financial support for major and life-saving surgeries.

Under the revised scheme, assistance will be available for high-end procedures such as organ transplants including heart, liver and lungs, artificial implants, bone marrow transplants, and heart valve implantation.

As per the guidelines, hospitals will submit applications on behalf of patients along with all necessary documents. Until an online system is fully developed, applications will be accepted offline. A scrutiny committee will examine the proposals before forwarding them to the medical and financial approval committee, which will meet every Friday to review cases and sanction funds. Final approval will be granted by the Special Treatment Assistance and Empowerment Committee.

To avail the benefits, the patient must be a resident of Maharashtra and possess mandatory documents such as Aadhaar card and ration card. The sanctioned funds will be directly transferred to the hospital’s bank account, eliminating the need for any cash transactions by the patient.

Officials stated that the entire process will be conducted through a transparent system, ensuring accountability and ease of access for beneficiaries.