Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The application and approval process for the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Fund, considered a lifeline for common patients in the state, has now been digitised. Applications submitted through the online portal will be approved within eight hours. Instead of patients, hospitals will now directly submit applications, reducing the need for patients to run around and curbing the role of middlemen.
Online process
An online system has been developed for the Chief Minister’s Assistance Fund cell. Patients will now receive real-time updates about their application via SMS and links on their mobile phones. A war room at the state secretariat level will continuously monitor the process.
Approval within 3 to 8 hours
Financial assistance required for treatment will be sanctioned within just eight working hours, ensuring quicker access to treatment.
30% amount released immediately to hospitals
After approval of the application, 30% of the sanctioned amount will be released immediately. The remaining 70% will be disbursed after final approval.
Middlemen to be eliminated
Patients or their relatives will no longer need to submit applications themselves. Applications will now be filed directly by hospitals, which will help eliminate the involvement of agents.
Timely financial assistance
With initiatives such as district-level cells, a paperless application process and memorandum agreements introduced under the concept of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, patients are receiving timely financial aid. Needy patients can avail themselves of the scheme and seek more information by calling the toll-free number 1800 123 2211.
— Rameshwar Naik, cell head, Chief Minister’s Assistance Fund and Charitable Hospital Help Cell
How much aid in a year?
Between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026, a total of 40,776 patients across the state received medical assistance amounting to Rs 333 crore 6 lakh 81 thousand 500. During the same period, 1,769 patients in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district received financial aid of approximately Rs 14 crore 25 lakh 2 thousand 500.