Palghar, Maharashtra: In a major step towards making healthcare more accessible to financially disadvantaged citizens, the district-level Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell was officially inaugurated at the Palghar District Collector’s office on Maharashtra Day. The ceremony was presided over by Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik.
The new assistance cell is part of a state-wide initiative to decentralize the Chief Minister’s Medical Relief Fund (CM-MRF), enabling patients to access financial support at the district level without needing to visit the state secretariat in Mumbai.
The initiative follows a directive from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, aimed at streamlining support for underprivileged patients requiring urgent medical treatment. The scheme was formally implemented by a government resolution issued on February 22, 2025. Further directions for district-level activation were given during a review meeting chaired by CM Fadnavis on April 23.
The inauguration was attended by Member of Parliament Dr. Hemant Savara, District Collector Dr. Indurani Jakhar, Zilla Parishad CEO Manoj Ranade, Superintendent of Police Balasaheb Patil, Resident Deputy Collector Subhash Bhagade, and other senior officials.
Previously, applicants seeking financial medical aid were required to travel multiple times to the Mantralaya (state headquarters). With the new district-level cell in place, patients and their families can now receive guidance, document verification, and follow-ups locally.
Ramishwar Naik has been appointed as the head of the state-level coordination for the scheme.
Key Functions of the District Medical Assistance Cell:
. Provide step-by-step guidance to applicants.
. Offer real-time updates on application status and progress.
. Resolve complaints from patients and families.
. Conduct hospital visits to meet patients receiving aid.
. Promote awareness of the scheme and its benefits.
. Review and update the list of eligible diseases under the fund.
. Coordinate emergency relief in disaster-hit areas.
. Work on increasing public donations for the fund.
Benefits for Patients and Families:
. Simplified application process with local support.
. Easy access to required documentation checklists.
. Access to a list of affiliated hospitals.
. Elimination of the need to travel to the ministry.
. Ability to track application status locally.
The initiative is expected to significantly ease the burden on patients and ensure faster, more transparent access to state-funded medical aid.
