In a major step toward transforming healthcare services in Maharashtra, the state government has announced that every patient will soon be assigned a Unique Health ID. This initiative will allow hospitals to access a patient’s medical history with just one click, ensuring faster and more efficient treatment. The move is part of the government’s broader effort to digitalise healthcare and streamline medical assistance.Under this initiative, every individual seeking treatment at a hospital will receive a Unique Health ID that will store essential information, including their name, address, past illnesses, and treatment history. This data will be accessible to hospitals across the state, eliminating the need for patients and their families to carry medical records physically.Moreover, the system will be linked to government healthcare schemes, allowing authorities to determine whether a patient qualifies for financial aid under the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Fund or other state and central government health programs. This means patients will no longer have to run from office to office to avail benefits, as the hospitals themselves will be responsible for coordinating with government agencies.
Hospitals to Register Patients with Unique IDsOnce implemented, hospitals will be responsible for registering patients and collecting their identification details to generate the Unique Health ID. This will ensure that accurate medical information is recorded and maintained.
Hospitals will also collect PAN card details, allowing authorities to assess a patient’s financial situation and determine which government schemes they may qualify for. This step will help ensure that financial aid reaches the most deserving patients efficiently.Speaking about the initiative, Ramashwar Naik, head of the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Fund, emphasised that no patient should be deprived of healthcare due to financial constraints. He stated, “Our goal is to ensure that patients receive timely medical treatment without bureaucratic delays. Instead of patients running to the government for help, hospitals will now coordinate with authorities to secure financial aid and provide necessary treatment at minimal cost.”Decentralisation of the CM Medical Assistance FundIn another key reform, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has decided to decentralise the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Fund to make financial aid more accessible. Previously, economically weaker patients had to visit the state secretariat (Mantralaya) in Mumbai to apply for assistance. Now, special medical assistance units will be set up at district collector offices, allowing patients to apply for help without traveling long distances.Additionally, an online system is being developed to provide information on nearby hospitals, available government health schemes, and eligibility criteria. This will help patients and their families make informed decisions about their treatment options without unnecessary hassle.To further assist patients, the government is also launching a toll-free helpline that will provide details about government and private hospitals offering affordable treatment. The helpline will also inform callers about hospitals covered under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana and other central health schemes.With over 4,000 hospitals, including government, private, and charitable institutions, participating in this initiative, the Maharashtra government aims to make healthcare more accessible, transparent, and efficient for all citizens.
