Nashik— In a significant move aimed at improving access to healthcare for underprivileged citizens, Madhuri Misal, Minister of State for Health and Public Works Department, announced the appointment of Medical Social Workers (MSWs), also called Arogyadoots, at all charity hospitals across the state.
During her visit to Nashik, Misal acknowledged serious gaps in the implementation of the Bombay Public Trust (BPT) Act, which mandates charity hospitals to provide free or subsidized care to indigent patients. “Several charity hospitals are failing to uphold their responsibility to treat the poor. The government will now post Arogyadoots in these hospitals to ensure that the underprivileged are properly guided and receive the care they deserve,” Misal stated.
Trigger: Pune Incident Raises Alarm
The announcement comes in the wake of a tragic incident in Pune, where a woman reportedly died after being denied admission at a private hospital due to inability to pay advance charges. Citing the case, Misal emphasized the urgent need for reform and oversight in charity healthcare services.
Indigent Patient Fund Misuse Under Scrutiny
Rameshwar Naik, Head of the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund Cell in Nashik, pointed out that many charity hospitals are not contributing their required share—2% of gross billing—to the Indigent Patient Fund (IPF). This fund is specifically designed to support the treatment of financially weak patients.
“Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed hospitals to submit daily reports on the patients they treat and the corresponding IPF contributions,” Naik said.
186 MSWs to Be Appointed Across Maharashtra
Naik highlighted that 186 Medical Social Workers will be appointed across the state as part of this initiative. These MSWs will not only help indigent patients navigate the system, but will also be responsible for filing reports against hospitals that fail to comply with ethical obligations.
“Many times, poor patients are unheard or turned away. The presence of an Arogyadoot will act as a safeguard and voice for such people,” he added.
This reform is expected to significantly enhance transparency and accountability in charity hospitals and ensure that no patient is denied treatment due to financial hardship.
