Directive Follows Tragic Death of Woman Denied Admission in Pune Hospital
Pune: Health activists and public health experts across the city have welcomed the Maharashtra government’s recent directive mandating all charitable hospitals to implement the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) — a state-run health insurance scheme that aims to provide free, cashless healthcare to economically weaker sections.
The move follows the death of Tanisha Bhise, a mother of twins who reportedly died after being denied admission at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune. The incident led to the formation of a government inquiry committee, headed by Rajani Kshirsagar, which strongly recommended that charitable hospitals participate in schemes such as MJPJAY, PMJAY, and the National Child Health Programme to ensure better access to medical care for the poor.
Charitable Hospitals Under Scrutiny
Maharashtra’s April 2025 Government Resolution (GR) made it mandatory for all 480 charitable hospitals in the state — including 58 in Pune — to enroll in and implement these public health insurance schemes. As per the Charity Commissioner’s Office, the implementation process has begun in many institutions and is currently under review.
Under MJPJAY and Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY, eligible families receive cashless medical coverage up to ₹5 lakh per year, along with an additional ₹1.15 lakh insurance cover under state provisions. The schemes cover over 1,200 medical procedures and aim to provide quality secondary and tertiary healthcare through empanelled hospitals.
Mixed Reactions from Public Health Stakeholders
Deepak Jadhav, a local health activist, welcomed the decision, stating:
“Charity hospitals benefit from government concessions but fail to serve the poor adequately. Implementing MJPJAY and Ayushman Bharat will ensure that economically disadvantaged people finally get the treatment they deserve.”
However, Dr. Abhay Shukla, national co-convener of Jan Swasthya Abhiyan, expressed cautious optimism:
“While the move is positive, existing issues within charitable hospitals—such as lack of transparency and regulation—must be addressed first. The integration of MJPJAY will expand the scope of care, but there needs to be clarity on whether treatment will be completely free or reimbursed by the state.”
Private Hospitals Raise Concerns Over Funding
Dr. Sanjay Patil, Chairman of the Hospital Board of India (Pune), pointed out critical operational challenges. He said that government-set treatment rates under MJPJAY are often lower than actual costs, making it unsustainable for some hospitals to participate.
“Reimbursements from the government are significantly delayed. There’s a need for financial realism, and the government should involve stakeholders like the Indian Medical Association while fixing rates,” he said.
Push for Centralised Health Benefits
Activists also highlighted the lack of integration among the various schemes. According to Jadhav, a centralised health insurance system would ensure that no patient is turned away due to administrative loopholes or fragmented benefits.
“There are multiple schemes—MJPJAY, PMJAY, Urban Poor Scheme—but poor patients often get lost in the system. Centralisation is the key to making sure no one is denied treatment,” he added.
The implementation of MJPJAY across Pune’s charitable hospitals marks a significant shift in the public health landscape, aiming to bridge the gap between subsidized private healthcare and the needs of underprivileged patients. However, the success of this initiative will depend on effective oversight, financial sustainability, and stakeholder cooperation.
