The public health department has agreed to implement steps to improve access to subsidized treatment facilities for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. To ensure that people are aware of their rights, the department plans to develop a mobile application and hire health volunteers. 

Tanaji Sawant, the public health minister, met with officials from the Charity Commissioners office on Thursday to examine concerns about insufficient healthcare services offered to economically deprived and frail patients at hospitals under the Charity Commissioners authority. The state presently has around 400 nonprofit medical centres that provide crucial health care to the poor and needy.

Sawant advocated for rapid action to give fast healthcare services to low-income individuals without waiting or difficulty with documentation. The charity commissioner oversees almost all of Mumbais notable private hospitals. 467 Arogya Mitras will be appointed at all charity hospitals to help patients and their families in navigating the healthcare system.

According to the director of health services Dr. Nitin Ambadekar , the plan to hire Arogya Mitras has already been finalized. He said a mobile app and website will be created to make philanthropic programs more accessible.

Legally charitable hospitals must reserve 10% of the total number of operating beds for poor patients, give free medical care to needy patients, and reserve 10% of beds at a concessional fee for patients from the weaker sections. Hospitals must also create a Poor Patients Fund (IPF) by crediting 2% of gross billings for all patients (excluding those from the poor and vulnerable sections).

(Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/charitable-hosps-under-lens-govt-volunteers-to-be-placed/articleshow/99858656.cms)