Health tests, treatment at govt hospitals in Maharashtra to be free of cost

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government on Thursday decided to make medical tests and treatment at public hospitals free of cost.

The decision was taken in the state cabinet meeting which gave its nod to the Right To Health.

Free of cost facilities will be available at 2,418 hospitals and medical centres run by the state government under the scheme that is likely to be launched from August 15. More than 25.5 million people avail treatment in these facilities, officials said.

However, the decision will not be applicable to hospitals and medical colleges that come under the Medical Education department.

"Primary health centres, rural hospitals, women hospitals, district general hospitals and super speciality hospitals will treat patients free of cost in the state," an official said.

Cancer hospitals in Nashik and Amravati will also offer the treatment free of cost, the official added.