Mumbai, August 14, 2023 :- In a significant move aimed at providing accessible healthcare for all citizens, the government has announced a decision to make health services, medical examinations, and patient charges completely free of charge at all government health institutions under the purview of the Public Health Department. This landmark decision is based on various government decisions, including Government Decision no. Miscellaneous-2013/P.No. 462/Part 2/Health-3, dated 28 December 2015, and Government Decision no. NHM-1120/Cr.No.83/Arogya-7, dated 28 July.
The primary beneficiaries of this initiative are individuals from economically weaker sections who often face financial constraints in accessing medical care. Despite existing facilities available at moderate rates, many individuals from these sections are unable to afford even basic healthcare services. To address this issue, the Chief Minister declared in the Legislative Assembly the government’s commitment to providing free health facilities at all government health institutions, with a focus on the welfare of the common man.
The Cabinet meeting held on 03 August 2023 gave the green light to the proposal, which includes not only making examinations and treatments free of cost but also implementing medical services in public-private partnerships, excluding charges for blood component supply as per the National Blood Policy.
The implementation of this scheme involves several key guidelines:
- Patients visiting health institutions will be registered free of charge using government-authorized identity cards.
- All medical tests conducted at these institutions will be offered free of cost, without any fees.
- Medical Officers in the Out Patient Department will administer medicines to patients from outside without issuing prescriptions for consumables.
- In rare cases, medicines required for outpatient treatment will be locally procured under RKS (Rogi Kalyan Samiti) subsidy and provided to patients without charge.
- Tests such as ECG, X-ray, CT scan, laboratory tests, and others conducted within the health facility will not incur charges.
- There will be no imposition of any charges for inpatient care during the discharge process.
- Any fees collected from patients previously should be deposited into government accounts or patient welfare funds, with proper accounting updates.
To ensure public awareness of this initiative, detailed information will be widely disseminated through popular media. In addition, boards will be placed within health institutions to inform patients of the scheme. A toll-free number (104) will be established for individuals to voice complaints about any charges related to medical services in health institutions.
A robust grievance redressal mechanism has also been established. Complaints received on the toll-free number 104 will be recorded and conveyed to the concerned institution’s head and the District Health Officer/District Surgeon. The responsibility for addressing these complaints lies with the head of the institution, with further actions being taken by the District Surgeon/District Health Officer against staff or officers found levying charges.
A regulatory committee at both the district and taluka (sub-district) levels will oversee the implementation of the scheme and review complaints regularly.
Dheeraj Kumar, Commissioner of Health Services and Campaign Director of the National Health Mission, Mumbai, is spearheading this initiative. The directive has been shared with various health authorities, including Deputy Directors of Health Services, District Surgeons, District Health Officers, and Chief Executive Officers of Zilla Parishads across the region.
This decision marks a significant stride towards making quality healthcare accessible to all citizens, particularly those from economically vulnerable backgrounds, while fostering transparency and accountability within the health system.
