Maha to get 700 new clinics, limit for free treatment under MJPJAY increased to Rs 5 lakh

Mumbai: The Maharashtra finance minister Devendra Fadnavis made several significant announcements related to the healthcare field in his state budget presentation on March 9, including increasing the treatment limit under Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY), establishing 700 new clinics, and setting up of Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation.

The health and family welfare schemes received an allocation of Rs 21,847 crore in the current budget which has increased from Rs 19,920 crore allocated last year, including salary and other recurring expenses. 

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The government has decided to increase the limit of free treatment under the MJPJAY scheme to Rs 5 lakh per annum from Rs 1.5 lakh per annum. The scheme is a flagship health scheme of the state government which enables cashless medical treatment to patients at over 1,000 government-empaneled hospitals covering a number of diseases, surgeries and therapies. 

Fadnavis announced that around 200 new hospitals would be empaneled under the scheme and the limit for kidney transplant surgery would also be raised to Rs 4 lakh from the existing Rs 2.5 lakh. 

Further, under the Aapla Dawakhana’ (Our Clinic) initiative, Fadnavis announced that 700 new clinics would be set up across Maharashtra. Speaking at the Lower House, the minister said, "After getting a huge response to the ‘Aapla Dawakhana’ initiative in the name of Balasaheb Thackeray in Mumbai, it will now be launched across Maharashtra." He added, "We will open 700 clinics in the state which will provide free medical tests and treatment." 

Currently, there are over 100 Aapla Dawakhanas established across the city by the BMC, which is inspired by the Mohalla clinics system introduced by the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government. Announcing the setting up of the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation, the minister stated that it would take up a special campaign to create hospitals, primary health centres, schools and Anganwadi, reports the HT. 

The health plan would also be raised by Rs 1926 crore as compared to the last budget allocation. However, there are no budgetary allocations to improve healthcare infrastructure to prevent pandemics like COVID-19. However, the health department officials have stated that they have made improvements in that respect.  

Sanjay Khandare, principal secretary the health department, said, "In terms of capacity, we have a sufficient number of beds and facilities," adding, "From the pandemic point of view, we are now in a position to address any eventuality." 

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