When it comes to running the administration of a country effectively, there is a need to support those persons in a state where they may need some financial aid and help when it comes to paying for medical issues. In India, which is still a developing country, many schemes have been initiated to help such persons in different regions, and some are applicable across the country. The Health Minister’s Discretionary Grants (HMDG) is such a scheme. Through the HMDG scheme, financial assistance is given to needy persons that may not be able to pay for or afford specific medical treatments and apply for Health Minister’s Discretionary Grants.
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Benefits Of Health Minister’s Discretionary Grants (HMDG)
The Health Minister’s Discretionary Grant (HMDG), through the benefits of the scheme, provides financial assistance up to Rs. 1.25 lakhs. Many people in India fall below the poverty line. They are hence regarded as BPL or ‘Below Poverty Line’ or, at the very least, struggling financially and cannot afford to pay for medical emergencies or issues. These people may meet the conditions regarding Health Minister’s Discretionary Grants eligibility. Financial help through the scheme may be provided to patients who are in need. This will be done to defer some medical expenses in Government Hospitals for life-threatening diseases covered under Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN). This would be in those cases where the medical facilities generally provided free of cost are not available for the patient if one may have the eligibility.
After meeting the scheme’s criteria, financial assistance will be given towards treating the patient through the Health Minister’s Discretionary Grants benefits. The patient would benefit from the scheme when getting their treatment done in Government hospitals, including some super specialty Government hospitals or institutes. Firstly, Financial Assistance of ₹50,000/- will be given if the estimated cost of treatment is up to ₹1,00,000/-.Secondly, Financial Assistance of ₹75,000/- if the estimated cost of treatment is above ₹1,00,000/- & up to ₹1,50,000/-. Thirdly, Financial Assistance of ₹1,00,000/- if the estimated cost of treatment is above ₹1,50,000/-.
How Does Health Minister’s Discretionary Grants (HMDG) Financing Happen?
There are particular scheme criteria. The specific hospital will receive the financial assistance provided through the scheme as per the Health Minister’s Discretionary Grants benefits for eligible beneficiaries of the Financial aid for eligible patients released to treating hospitals. There is, however, no State/UT-wise/District-wise allocation of funds under the RAN scheme, so the State-wise/District-wise data is not maintained.
Availability On I.T. platforms.
Availability on I.T. platforms is an essential aspect. Nowadays, information about schemes, applications to schemes, and other scheme-related elements are suitable for accessibility for those wanting to know more about or take up a particular scheme. Government has launched these schemes on the National Health Authority I.T. platform to simplify and streamline RAN’s functioning to expedite the approvals. One may use the I.T. systems to learn more about benefits, eligibility, criteria, registration, among other important information relating to the scheme as well.
Health Minister’s Discretionary Grants Eligibility
Eligibility is an essential factor when it comes to scheme. Only some people can benefit from the scheme and its financial relief. One needs to be eligible, apply, and only then be able to benefit from it. Those eligible for the scheme would be persons whose annual income as a family unit is up to Rs. 1.25 lakhs and below. Another condition for eligibility would be that the applicant must have been hospitalized or undergoing the appropriate treatment in a government hospital. This includes hospitals that are considered super specialty government hospitals as well as super specialty institutes.
Exclusions
What benefits are not included in the scheme when registering for the Health Minister’s Discretionary Grants? Certain medical cases are not eligible for the Health Minister’s Discretionary Grants benefits. These medical cases are regarded as exclusions to the scheme. Firstly Prolonged treatment involving recurring expenditure is not permissible—secondly, diseases of common nature where cure is not expensive. Thirdly, T.B. cases are not covered. Fourthly, cases for treatment in private hospitals will also not be protected. Fifth, Central, and State Government employees are excluded from availing of the Health Minister’s Discretionary Grants (HMDG) benefits.
Documents Required
The eligible person will require certain documents to apply for Health Minister’s Discretionary Grants and avail of benefits from the scheme. Firstly, an application form in prescribed proforma duly signed by the treating doctor and countersigned by the Medical Superintendent of the Government hospital/institute. Secondly, the quantum of financial assistance granted to the patient is- (a) Rs.75,000/-if the estimated cost of treatment is up to Rs.1,25,000/-(b) Rs.1,00,000/- if the estimated cost of treatment is above Rs.1,25,000/- and up to Rs.1,75,000/- and (c) Rs.1,25,000/- if the estimated cost of treatment is above Rs.1,75,000/-, thirdly a certificate in original from the BDO/ Tehsildar/Collector /SDM (quoting full name, designation, telephone number and complete official address of the certificate issuing authority) regarding occupation and monthly/yearly income of the applicant and their family members from all sources, fourthly a copy of the ration card is required.
Conclusion
The Health Minister’s Discretionary Grants (HMDG) are essential to keep the needy classes in the country afloat financially and health-wise. By being able to provide the struggling citizens in the country with financial assistance and good healthcare, we will be able to progress more as a country as a whole. Our healthcare system will be more efficient and attuned to the needs of everyone, and instead of struggle in the country, we will notice an increase in better lifestyles as well as healthier people, which is why the Health Minister’s Discretionary Grants (HMDG) is so crucial in a country such as India.
HMDG Scheme can help with specific medical treatment expenses, but if those do not cover expenses, one can also try crowdfunding platform like Impact Guru, that can help you with raising funds for medical treatments.
