Mumbai, August 13, 2023: In a remarkable step towards ensuring accessible healthcare, the Maharashtra state government has announced that effective from August 15, patients seeking medical treatment in government hospitals throughout the state will receive care without any charges. This initiative marks a significant stride towards providing affordable healthcare services to all citizens, furthering the commitment to the Right to Health (Article 21) enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
Health Minister Tanaji Sawant unveiled this transformative decision on August 3, outlining that all government hospitals will deliver medical treatment free of cost, with the state government bearing the financial burden. The sweeping scope of this initiative encompasses various healthcare facilities, including Primary Health Centers, Rural Hospitals, Women’s Hospitals, District General Hospitals, Upazila Hospitals, Super Specialty Hospitals, and Cancer Hospitals. This momentous decision was reached during a cabinet meeting, as emphasized by Minister Sawant.
It’s noteworthy that Cancer Hospitals situated in Nashik and Amravati will also join this noble effort by offering free treatments to patients in need.
The ambit of this initiative extends to a total of 2,418 hospitals and medical centers under the purview of the state government. The far-reaching impact of this endeavor is anticipated to benefit over 25 million individuals, who will now have unhindered access to essential medical treatments through these government-run healthcare facilities.
However, it is essential to clarify that this scheme does not encompass hospitals or medical colleges falling under the jurisdiction of the Medical Education department.
It’s pertinent to recall that Maharashtra has demonstrated its commitment to accessible healthcare previously as well. Amid the challenging circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the state introduced a pioneering free health insurance scheme for its residents. This groundbreaking endeavor made Maharashtra the trailblazer in offering such comprehensive insurance coverage to its citizens. The state government’s health scheme, known as the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY), extends coverage to all residents. Individuals seeking enrollment in this scheme are required to hold a valid ration card and a domicile certificate.
