CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Now, patients living below the poverty line will not have to pay any charges for treatment at Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre (BMHRC). Along with BPL cardholders, patients who do not possess a poverty line card but are genuinely poor and helpless will also be provided free medical services. BMHRC’s Acting Director, Dr. Manisha Srivastava, has issued an official order regarding this after receiving approval from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Dr. Manisha Srivastava stated that until now, BPL cardholders were only charged ₹10 as a registration fee, and there was no charge for ward admission. However, charges were levied for diagnostics, surgeries, and other medical services. From now on, all medical services will be completely free for BPL patients.
She also mentioned that if a patient fails to present a BPL card but is genuinely poor and helpless, their situation will be reviewed, and the cost of treatment may be waived. For this purpose, a Medical Social Welfare Unit is being established at BMHRC, which will assist such patients in availing schemes like Ayushman Bharat and other government programs.
In emergency cases, patients will receive immediate primary care, and all services for the first 24 hours or until formal admission will also be completely free. If a patient is alone or has no relatives present, they will still not be denied treatment.
To support the treatment of poor and helpless patients, a “Patient Welfare Fund” will be created, which will collect funds through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), public support, and donations to finance their medical care.
Dr. Srivastava said that a comprehensive policy and guidelines are being prepared to ensure smooth implementation of this system and provide immediate relief to needy patients.
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