Eligible residents can receive up to 30% of treatment costs, capped at Rs 2 lakh.
PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday handed over the first financial assistance cheque under the recently launched Chief Minister's Medical Assistance Cell scheme and appealed to corporate houses to contribute to the initiative through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.
The first beneficiary under the scheme underwent surgery at Manipal Hospital, Dona Paula. Sawant said corporate participation would help expand the reach and impact of the scheme, which is designed to support patients facing high medical expenses.
Under the scheme, the government provides financial assistance of up to 30 per cent of the treatment cost, subject to a maximum ceiling of Rs 2 lakh. The assistance is intended to complement existing healthcare schemes such as Deendayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY), Mediclaim and Ayushman Bharat.
Sawant said while several welfare schemes are already available for patients suffering from serious illnesses, treatment costs have risen significantly in recent years, often placing an additional burden on families.
"DDSSY has completed ten years and Mediclaim procedures can sometimes be cumbersome. In cases where treatment costs escalate, the Chief Minister's Medical Assistance Scheme will provide additional support to patients," he said.
The Chief Minister said funds for the scheme are currently being provided through the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, but greater CSR participation from companies would make the initiative more beneficial and sustainable. He also announced that the scheme's dedicated helpline, 15424, will soon be upgraded to function round the clock. At present, the service is available from 9 am to 9 pm.
Apart from providing information about the scheme, the helpline will also offer guidance on healthcare services and treatment-related queries, Sawant said. Launched earlier this month, the scheme is open to Goa residents who have lived in the State for at least 15 years. Beneficiaries can apply online or offline and receive assistance after completing the prescribed application process.
