From Promise to Policy Shift: PMC’s Rs 1 Lakh Aid For GBS Patients Now Conditional; Insurance Holders Left Out

Pune, 20th February 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had announced financial assistance of ₹1 lakh for patients suffering from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a severe neurological disorder. However, the actual implementation of this aid now comes with several conditions, leaving many families disappointed. Patients covered under health insurance will not be eligible for this assistance, even if their treatment expenses exceed the insurance limit.

The treatment for GBS can cost between ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh, making it financially burdensome for many families. PMC had initially assured direct financial relief by instructing private hospitals to deduct ₹1 lakh from the final bill for eligible patients. At the time of the announcement, it was stated that the aid would be extended to all patients. However, as bills started coming in, the PMC has revised its stance, introducing eligibility criteria that exclude many patients from availing of the promised support.

Explaining the revised policy, PMC Health Chief Dr. Neena Borade clarified that patients enrolled under the Urban Poor Scheme would now receive ₹2 lakh instead of ₹1 lakh. Additionally, current and retired municipal employees will get a full refund of their medical expenses under a contributory health scheme. Patients covered under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana are already eligible for free treatment.

“Only those GBS patients who are not covered under any existing health scheme, were admitted to a private hospital after January 14, and reside within PMC limits will receive ₹1 lakh in aid. However, patients with health insurance will not be eligible for this assistance,” said Dr. Borade.

Further, patients from other districts receiving treatment in Pune can avail of assistance in the form of IVIG medication but will not be eligible for the ₹1 lakh financial aid due to regulatory restrictions. The revised conditions have left many affected families struggling to cover their hefty medical bills, raising concerns over the PMC’s sudden policy shift.