Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 18: The Maharashtra government has decided to establish a special ‘war room’ to integrate Central and state health schemes and prevent individuals from availing double benefits, officials said on Friday.

The high-level committee will be headed by Praveen Pardeshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) and Chief Economic Advisor to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The 12-member committee will comprise administrative heads from key departments, including Public Health, Medical Education, Social Justice, Women and Child Welfare, Labour, Tribal and Minority Development, Divyang Welfare, and the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund Cell.

A health official said, “There are multiple health welfare schemes by both the Centre and the state. Some individuals have availed benefits under both, which is not permissible. The war room will help streamline and integrate these schemes.”

The government will also launch a common toll-free helpline (1800-123-2211) to assist citizens with all health-related queries and support.

Maharashtra already operates similar war rooms to monitor infrastructure, industrial, and social sector projects. Pardeshi also serves as co-chair of the governing committee overseeing the state’s data policy, ensuring coordination between departments for better governance.