Chandigarh, October 13– Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal said that state government is committed to improving health facilities in the state and efforts are being made to ensure that every individual has access to affordable and proper medical care. In line with the motto "Sarve Bhavantu Sukhin: Sarve Santu Niramaya," the state government has initiated numerous programs to keep the citizens of the state healthy.
Mukhyamantri Muft Ilaaz Yojana: A Lifesaver for many
Chief Minister also highlighted the government's awareness of the challenges faced by the economically disadvantaged. As a result, the "Mukhyamantri Muft Ilaaz Yojana" was launched to address these concerns. This scheme offers seven essential services free of charge, including surgeries, laboratory tests, diagnostic services (such as X-rays, ECG, and ultrasound), outpatient and inpatient services, essential medications, referral transportation, and dental treatments. Previously, many of these services incurred significant costs, placing a heavy financial burden on underprivileged individuals. Recognizing this burden, the government has made all seven services accessible free of cost.
Nirogi Haryana Scheme: Fostering good health among the underprivileged
The Chief Minister also mentioned the Nirogi Haryana Scheme, which forms a crucial part of the Antyodaya Abhiyan. Apart from the efforts to improve the economic, social, and educational conditions of the less privileged, the government is equally committed to promoting good health. For the purpose, the Nirogi Haryana Scheme was inaugurated on November 29, 2022, during the International Gita Mahotsav, by President of India Smt. Draupadi Murmu. The scheme's primary objective is to conduct comprehensive health checkups for the entire state population at least once every two years. The initial phase focuses on examining the health of 30.6 lakh Antyodaya families with annual incomes up to Rs 1.8 lakh. There are over 1.21 crore members in these families. A comprehensive campaign is currently underway to assess the health of all these individuals. Under Nirogi Haryana Yojana, the facility of annual health checkup on more than 25 parameters is being provided free of cost.
Ayushman Bharat-Chirayu Cards issued for 86 lakh beneficiaries
Considering the hardships faced by economically disadvantaged individuals who could not access healthcare due to financial constraints, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has started Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Ayushman Bharat Yojana for the treatment of poor families. Building upon this initiative, the Haryana Government introduced the Chirayu Haryana Scheme, extending its reach to further benefit the less privileged. Under the Chirayu Haryana Scheme, families with annual incomes up to Rs 1.8 lakh receive health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per year. In addition, the scheme has been expanded to families with annual incomes up to Rs 3 lakh. The scheme aims to cover approximately 29 lakh Antyodaya families of the state. Under this scheme, Ayushman Bharat-Chirayu cards of about 86 lakh people have been made.
Cancer Patients receive affordable treatment
The Chief Minister further revealed that the Haryana Government has taken significant steps to combat life-threatening diseases like cancer in the state. We have established the Atal Cancer Tertiary Care Center (ACTCC) at Civil Hospital Ambala Cantt, aiming to consolidate comprehensive cancer care facilities under one roof, providing affordable treatment to those in need. This initiative will enhance cancer treatment services, ensuring accessible, cost-effective, and comprehensive care for cancer patients in Haryana and neighboring states.
Furthermore, the state has fortified its laboratories for cancer diagnosis, where procedures like Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC), Pap Smears, Fluid Cytology and Biopsies are now being conducted in district civil hospitals. Additionally, the government offers Free Travel Facility (FTF) to cancer patients along with one attendant, using Haryana Roadways' ordinary buses to reach healthcare institutions for treatment and follow-up. This initiative has been significantly beneficial to numerous patients in Haryana each year.
Chief Minister reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of every individual within the state. He emphasized the government's focus on strengthening the healthcare infrastructure throughout Haryana. Every family in Haryana is his own, and he considers every citizen a family member. Therefore, it is his solemn duty to safeguard the health of all residents.