Maharashtra: In a major development, the Maharashtra government has decided to provide free treatment to patients at all public hospitals in the state from August 15. The decision, announced by State Public Health Minister Tanaji Sawant, was unanimously approved by the state Cabinet in its meeting on Thursday evening.
This move aims to improve access to quality healthcare for all residents of Maharashtra and reduce the financial burden on patients and their families. The government will bear the cost of all medical treatments, including surgeries, at these hospitals.
The decision is part of the state government’s larger strategy to strengthen the public health system and ensure that everyone has access to essential healthcare services. The government has also announced plans to increase the number of public hospitals and improve the quality of care provided at these institutions.
The government is currently working towards ensuring the effective implementation of the free treatment policy, thereby enabling all eligible patients to avail of this valuable benefit.
In Maharashtra, there is an extensive network of 2,418 health institutions, overseen by the public health department. This decision will have a substantial impact on various healthcare facilities, including primary health centers, rural hospitals, women’s hospitals, district civil hospitals, sub-district hospitals, super-specialty hospitals, and cancer hospitals.
According to government data, approximately 2.55 crore individuals receive treatment in these hospitals on an annual basis. The Cabinet note highlights that Article 21 of the Constitution grants the Right to Health, and it is the responsibility of the state to ensure the availability of all medical services to the population.
