Pune, 20th February 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation has come under fire for its revised conditions for financial assistance to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) patients. The initial announcement of ₹1 lakh aid for GBS patients was met with relief by many families facing the high costs of treatment. However, the recent introduction of eligibility criteria has left many disappointed.
One of the major conditions is that patients covered under health insurance will not be eligible for the financial aid, even if their treatment expenses exceed the insurance limit. This has put a strain on families who were counting on the promised support to help alleviate the financial burden of GBS treatment, which can range from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
Dr. Neena Borade, the Health Chief of PMC, clarified that patients enrolled in the Urban Poor Scheme will now receive ₹2 lakh instead of ₹1 lakh. Meanwhile, current and retired municipal employees will receive a full refund of their medical expenses under a contributory health scheme. Patients covered under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana are already entitled to free treatment.
However, the revised policy has left many GBS patients excluded from receiving the promised aid. Only those patients not covered under any existing health scheme, admitted to a private hospital after January 14, and residing within PMC limits will receive the ₹1 lakh aid. Patients from other districts receiving treatment in Pune can only avail of assistance in the form of IVIG medication, but will not be eligible for the financial aid due to regulatory restrictions.
The sudden shift in policy by the PMC has raised concerns among affected families, who are now struggling to cover their hefty medical bills. The lack of transparency and clarity in the revised conditions has added to the distress of GBS patients and their families, highlighting the need for a more consistent and inclusive approach to supporting those in need.
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