In a bid to decrease child mortality rate further, the state government made some revisions to the medical assistance provided under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
The fund will now provide financial assistance for treatment of new born babies with severe health issues. At least 50 per cent of the total expenses for treatment of newborn babies in intensive care units (ICU) will be provided under the scheme.
According to the health service done in 2013, the infant mortality rate (IMR) of Maharashtra stands at 24, lesser than the national figure of 40. According to the declaration made by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis at Sahyadri state guesthouse on the 67th Republic Day, a maximum of '1 lakh will be given for the treatment of neonates admitted in ICU.
Dr Mukesh Agarwal, head of the department of paediatric at KEM Hospital, said, “Many times premature babies and newborn babies with health complications require ICU treatment. And often these require expensive treatment or surgeries. So, this new plan will provide relief to patients and ensure better treatment to newborn babies that will help in controlling mortality rate.”
Also, as part of the Republic Day gift, liver, heart and bone marrow transplants have also been included into the list eligible for relief fund. To reduce the burden of organ transplant, a maximum amount of '3 lakh will be provided to patients. Mr Fadnavis tweeted on Tuesday night, “Now, transplant operations of liver, bone marrow, heart too included in the list and the patient can get an assistance up to '3 lakh.”
Welcoming the move, Dr Sujata Patwardhan, general secretary, the Zonal Transplant Coordination Committee (ZTCC) in Mumbai, said, “Liver and heart transplant requires around '25 lakh. Though the relief of '3 lakh is low considering the total expenditure, it will certainly benefit patients in someway or the other.”
Until now, under the Relief Fund, maximum of '2 lakh was provided under medical expenses. However, it has been increased to '3 lakh.
Dr Tarnag Gianchandani, CEO, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, said that cost was a major limiting factor for organ transplant. “We have done many transplants for patients below poverty line through the indigent fund and that's why I know how difficult it is to even arrange every thousand rupees for these patients and hence it’s a blessing for them when they get it free or subsidised,-" said Dr Gianchandani.
