GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES CHIEF MINISTER’S MEDICAL ASSISTANCE CELL TO SUPPORT PATIENTS IN NEED

Panaji, October 13, 2026

Strengthening access to healthcare and easing the financial burden of medical treatment, Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant today launched the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund at Mahalaxmi. The initiative aims to support Goan families facing difficulties in meeting the cost of treatment for serious illnesses, while ensuring access to appropriate medical care and guidance.

Providing additional support for high-cost procedures, the scheme will offer assistance amounting to 30% of the cost of a medical procedure, subject to a maximum of ₹2 lakh per patient, based on the recommendations of the Chief Minister’s Medical Committee. For diseases covered under DDSSY, Mediclaim or PMJAY, assistance may be provided over and above the prescribed coverage limit where treatment expenditure exceeds the applicable limit.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant congratulated the people of Goa on the launch of the Medical Assistance Cell and highlighted the Government’s commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare. He underscored the availability of free treatment through public healthcare facilities, including PHCs, CHCs, district hospitals and Goa Medical College and Hospital, along with specialised facilities such as the Super Speciality Block. Emphasising the importance of financial assistance alongside proper medical guidance, he also referred to the more than two lakh people who have benefited from DDSSY and the commencement of specialised healthcare services in South Goa.

Ensuring accessible application and delivery, eligible applicants must have been residents of Goa for at least 15 years. Applications can be submitted online through the Goa Online portal or offline at the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell at the CM War Room, Directorate of Planning, Statistics and Evaluation (DPSE), Porvorim. Applicants must submit the prescribed documents, including proof of residence, an estimate of the procedure cost from the hospital, Aadhaar details, email ID and mobile number. For further information, applicants may contact the helpline at 14524 or visit the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell at the CM War Room, DPSE, Porvorim.

The launch ceremony was attended by Health Minister Shri Vishwajit Rane, Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, Secretary (Health) Shri Yatindra M. Maralkar, IAS, Director of Health Services Dr. Saleena Sandip Naik, and Shri Mangesh Chivte, OSD to the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Head of the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell, Maharashtra, along with other senior officials and dignitaries.

DIP/NB/AXP/SAG/CR/SN/2026/715