**Maharashtra Health Minister Announces Committee to Extend Medical Reimbursement Benefits to Teachers of Partially Aided Schools**
Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has announced the formation of a committee to extend medical reimbursement benefits to teachers of partially aided schools. Currently, this facility is available only to those in 100% government-aided schools. The new committee will be headed by the State Health Services Commissioner.
**Committee Formation and Key Officials Involved**
Abitkar made this announcement during a meeting with various teachers’ associations held at Health Bhavan. The meeting was attended by notable officials, including former MLA Kapil Patil, Health Secretary Dr. Nipun Vinayak, Health Services Commissioner Dr. Kadambari Balkawde, Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MPJAY) CEO Annasaheb Chavan, Deputy Chief Minister’s Medical Aid Cell head Mangesh Chivate, along with representatives of teachers’ unions.
**Expansion of Cashless Medical Services**
Currently, cashless medical services are successfully implemented for police personnel, sales tax employees, staff of the Bombay High Court, and their families. Minister Abitkar stated that a similar cashless medical reimbursement system would soon be introduced for teachers. The newly formed committee will be responsible for conducting meetings and submitting a report on this initiative.
**Coverage Under Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MPJAY)**
Under the MPJAY scheme, health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh is already available to all citizens of Maharashtra. This coverage includes over 2,400 treatments provided through government and private hospitals. Efforts are ongoing to bring more major city hospitals under the scheme umbrella. Abitkar emphasized that the decision to include teachers will enhance the scheme’s effectiveness for educators across the state.
**Future Plans for Organ Donors and Recipients**
The Health Minister also outlined future plans where the government is considering extending medical facilities not only to organ recipients but also to organ donors, marking a significant step toward comprehensive healthcare support.
**Relief for Teachers Across Maharashtra**
Teachers’ associations had long demanded the introduction of cashless healthcare services for partially aided and unaided teachers. Many educators have faced difficulties with repeated travel for medical reimbursement claims. With this new decision, nearly 6.5 lakh teachers across Maharashtra are expected to receive much-needed relief and support.
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This initiative marks a significant move toward streamlining healthcare benefits for educators and improving their overall welfare across Maharashtra.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-to-extend-cashless-medical-benefits-to-teachers-of-partially-aided-schools
