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Haryana CM announces ₹2,750 monthly assistance for patients suffering from rare diseases
The chief minister of Haryana, India, announced a monthly financial grant of INR2,750 ($37) for patients suffering from 55 rare diseases. The government has sanctioned a budget of INR25 crore ($3.4m) to benefit about 1,000 patients with rare diseases. The announcement was made during the inauguration of a district civil hospital and other health facilities. Currently, there are 3,000 patients suffering from thalassemia and hemophilia and 4,000 stage-III and IV cancer patients who are receiving the benefits. The government aims to increase the number of medical seats to 3,000 to bridge the gap in doctor-to-population ratio.
Chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday announced a monthly assistance of ₹2,750 for patients suffering from 55 rare diseases on Thursday.
The CM made the announcement in Yamunanagar, during the inauguration of the 275-bedded Mukund Lal District Civil Hospital, upgraded at a cost of ₹100 crore, besides virtually opening 45 other health facilities in 17 districts of the state.
Health minister Anil Vij, school education minister Kanwar Pal, additional chief secretary (health) Dr G Anupama, director general health services (DGHS) Dr Sonia Trikha Khullar and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
During his address, Khattar said there are 3,000 patients suffering from thalassemia and hemophilia and 4,000 stage-III and IV cancer patients, who are already getting the benefits. A budget of ₹25 crore has been sanctioned for this purpose.
While, about 1,000 patients suffering from 55 other rare diseases such as pompe disease, duchenne muscular dystrophy, and spinal muscular atrophy etc, who will now receive the financial grant.
“These inaugurations and financial assistance announced for the patients will certainly play a pivotal role in further strengthening the health infrastructure along with providing the best healthcare facilities,” the CM added.
Khattar said according to the norms laid down by the World Health Organization (WHO), the strength of doctors, as per population in Haryana, should be 28,000, but the number is 13,000, including government and private ones.
However, the difference could be filled soon as the number of seats will increase from 1,900 to 3,000 with the opening of seven medical colleges that are either under construction or have been announced, he further said.
Earlier, addressing the gathering, Vij said his government is committed to provide best health facilities.
He said that the officers of the health department have been directed to start the renovation of old public health centers (PHCs) in the state and about 162 of them have been identified that will be demolished to build new structures.
Besides, the health minister said to boost rural health, ECG and X-ray machines will be made available at the PHC-level.
During his media address, Khattar toned down the ongoing speculations on the BJP-JJP coalition, and said the alliance will remain intact.
Later, the CM also visited “Yamuna Kamal”, the district BJP office.
