Pune Patients Receive Over Rs 6.5 Crore in Medical Aid Under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ Initiative
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 18th August 2025: In a significant move to support patients from economically weaker sections, charitable hospitals in Pune district have provided medical assistance worth over Rs 6.52 crore to 5,112 patients between January 1 and May 31, 2025.
The initiative, guided by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and coordinated by Rameshwar Naik, head of the State-level Special Medical Assistance Cell, aims to ensure timely and transparent access to medical treatment for the poor and vulnerable.
Reserved Beds in Charitable Hospitals
Under Section 41 AA of the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950, and a Bombay High Court ruling (Writ Petition No. 3132/2004), charitable hospitals are mandated to reserve 10 percent of their total beds for poor patients free of cost, and another 10 percent for patients from weaker sections at concessional rates.
Role of the Special Medical Assistance Cell
The State-level Special Medical Assistance Cell, based at the Chief Minister’s Office in Mumbai, oversees the smooth allocation of reserved beds. Headed by Rameshwar Naik, the cell ensures real-time availability of beds, provides information on hospital facilities and concessions, and facilitates timely treatment for needy patients. An online system has been developed for this process, with a state-level committee monitoring the system to ensure effectiveness.
District-Level Oversight in Pune
In Pune district, 58 charitable hospitals participate in the scheme, receiving tax and subsidy concessions in exchange for providing reserved beds to poor patients. A district-level committee, chaired by District Collector Jitendra Dudi, monitors the system to ensure compliance. Patients can access information about reserved beds online, while the cell’s coordinators assist with real-time queries and applications.
How to Apply for Medical Assistance
Patients seeking aid must submit an application to the District Level Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and Charitable Hospital Help Desk, along with:
Aadhaar card
Ration card
PAN card
Income certificate from the Tehsildar
Hospital treatment budget
Contact Information
Collector’s Office, Room No. 10, Ground Floor, Old Zilla Parishad, Pune
Dr. Mansingh Sable, Medical Officer & Chairman of the District Level Cell
Mobile: 8087678977 | Email: [email protected]
Toll-free helpline: 1800 123 2211
Website: charitymedicalhelpdesk.maharashtra.gov.in
The initiative reflects a focused effort by the Maharashtra government to bridge the gap between healthcare services and economically disadvantaged patients, providing timely treatment while promoting accountability and transparency in charitable hospitals.
