Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, May 8: Questions are being raised over the distribution of assistance from the Mayor’s Medical Fund, with allegations that poor patients residing outside Mumbai are being denied medical aid despite approvals from the Mayor.

Relatives of patients have expressed strong displeasure, alleging that officials in the Secretary’s Department are interfering in the allocation process and preventing deserving patients from receiving financial assistance.

The Mayor’s Medical Fund provides aid ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 to economically weaker patients for medical treatment. In special cases, higher assistance is also reportedly sanctioned.

Sources claim that although a Mayor’s Medical Fund Committee exists, no formal rules or regulations have been framed regarding eligibility criteria or the amount of aid to be granted.

The controversy surfaced after a dialysis patient from Virar was allegedly denied a special assistance amount of Rs 50,000 despite approval by the Mayor.

Officials in the department reportedly cited committee minutes suggesting that funds should not be extended to patients residing outside Mumbai limits.

Allegations have also been made that Secretary Manjiri Deshpande and Deputy Secretary Sushil Mahajan misled the Mayor regarding the distribution of funds to non-Mumbai residents, resulting in suspension of the approved assistance.

Patients and their relatives questioned the rationale behind excluding residents from neighbouring areas such as Kalyan, Dombivli, Vasai and Virar, pointing out that many families had shifted there due to the high cost of housing in Mumbai while continuing to work in the city.

“We were once Mumbaikars too. Just because we purchased affordable homes outside Mumbai does not mean we are disconnected from the city,” aggrieved patients reportedly said.

The issue has triggered criticism from several quarters, especially since charitable donations to the Mayor’s Medical Fund are often contributed by individuals residing outside Mumbai.

Patients have questioned why donations from non-Mumbai residents are accepted while financial aid for treatment is allegedly being denied to poor patients from the same regions.

Attention is now focused on Mayor Ritu Tawde and the decision she may take regarding the distribution policy of the Mayor’s Medical Fund and possible action against officials accused of providing misleading guidance.