Maharashtra to Sign MoUs with Charities to Aid Patients at Major Hospitals

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the state government to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with charitable organisations that work to support patients and their families visiting major hospitals across the state.

The directive aims to establish a coordinated, transparent support system by bringing together government agencies, charitable trusts, and voluntary organisations. Thousands of patients and their relatives visit major hospitals across Maharashtra daily, frequently facing challenges related to high healthcare costs, lack of proper guidance, and difficulties in securing food and accommodation.

Under the proposed initiative, assistance from charitable hospitals and voluntary groups will be organised in a streamlined manner. Hospitals functioning under the Charity Commissioner already provide free or concessional medical treatment to poor and needy patients. To enhance coordination and administrative transparency, the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell will be integrated directly with this existing framework.

In addition to medical care, the initiative will strengthen arrangements for affordable or free accommodation and meals for relatives accompanying patients. It will also establish mechanisms to provide medical guidance and general assistance within and around hospital premises. According to the state government, the goal is to simplify administrative procedures and ease the hardships faced by ordinary citizens when accessing healthcare services.

The collaboration will combine the resources and operational services of charitable groups with the state government's administrative network. Various tripartite MoUs are set to be signed alongside participating charitable trusts to ensure that aid reaches beneficiaries directly without unnecessary administrative delays.

Fadnavis has appealed to charitable trusts, voluntary organisations, and other institutions in the healthcare sector to join the initiative and help expand support services for patients and their families across Maharashtra. The government noted that the move is expected to bring significant relief to thousands of needy patients visiting major healthcare facilities throughout the state.