Prakash Abitkar

In a major public healthcare reform, Maharashtra’s Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar announced on Friday that all accident victims across the state will now be eligible for cashless medical treatment of up to ₹1 lakh—regardless of their enrolment in any government health schemes. The announcement came during a review meeting held at the State Health Guarantee Society’s headquarters in Worli. Present at the meeting were CEO of the Society Annasaheb Chavan, Ayushman Bharat Mission Maharashtra Committee Chairman Dr Omprakash Shete, and other senior health department officials. Abitkar emphasized the urgency of immediate medical intervention following accidents, stating that financial constraints should never hinder critical care. “Victims often don’t carry money during emergencies. This move ensures timely treatment without financial delays,” he said, directing officials to swiftly implement the initiative. To ensure better accessibility, the state will increase the number of empanelled private hospitals from 1,792 to 4,180, with selection supervised by district collectors. A mobile app is also under development to provide real-time hospital data, including bed availability and grievance redressal. Further, a dedicated study committee will explore expanding treatment coverage under government schemes, including high-cost procedures like organ transplants. The panel will review treatment costs and assess the inclusion of primary healthcare services, with a report due in a month. In a community-focused approach, empanelled hospitals must host one free health camp monthly and offer cashless treatment to at least five patients. Public representatives will support these initiatives. To boost Ayushman Bharat card distribution, the government will involve ASHA workers, Anganwadi staff, ration shopkeepers, and civic centres—along with a proposed increase in their honorariums for supporting the campaign. Source: Hindustan Times