Mumbai / Ramesh Autade
Maharashtra has become the first state in the country to receive FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) certification for utilizing foreign donations — from individuals, institutions, and CSR companies — to help fund treatment for needy patients. By combining these foreign contributions with the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, the state has emerged as a model for healthcare support to the underprivileged.
To provide access to expensive medical treatments for economically weaker patients, the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund Cell is working in coordination with corporate companies, hospitals, and in some cases, partial contributions from the patients themselves. This initiative will help financially backward patients receive treatment, particularly those with serious and life-threatening illnesses that require treatment costs exceeding ₹10 lakh.
Patients will need to submit their applications through a dedicated online portal developed by the CM Relief Fund Cell. As per charitable hospital norms, 10% of their total beds must be reserved free of cost for families with an annual income of up to ₹1.80 lakh. Another 10% of beds must be reserved at concessional rates for families with an income up to ₹3.60 lakh.
If any hospital fails to reserve these beds, patients are advised to call the toll-free helpline number 1800 123 2211, as stated by Rameshwar Naik, Head of the CM Relief Fund and Charitable Hospital Assistance Cell.
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