Pune Mental Hospital Requests Special Provisions for Patients

The medical superintendent of Pune Regional Mental Hospital has reached out to the chief executive officer of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Aarogya Abhiyan (MJPJAY) seeking special provisions for psychiatric patients lacking essential identification documents. This request comes as many patients face difficulties accessing benefits under the state health insurance scheme due to their unique circumstances.

In a letter dated July 15, 2025, Dr. Srinivas Kolod detailed the challenges faced by patients who are often isolated from their families. Many do not possess identity or ration cards, which are crucial for accessing health services. “Most of our patients are cut off from the family, and so the family does not provide necessary documents,” Dr. Kolod noted. He emphasized that certain patients may be unfit to give consent, suffer from chronic illnesses, or are unable to travel to fulfill mandatory requirements outlined by MJPJAY.

The letter highlighted that patients at Pune Regional Mental Hospital frequently do not meet the criteria for MJPJAY, leading to their treatment under the state health insurance scheme being denied. This situation creates a barrier for individuals who are residents of Maharashtra but are unable to benefit from the program. Dr. Kolod expressed concern over the logistical difficulties encountered when relatives are reluctant to bring patients back to the hospital for necessary documentation, particularly for mandated photographs required at discharge.

In his plea, Dr. Kolod requested that the government consider relaxing specific rules under MJPJAY for these vulnerable patients. He suggested that if the requirement for a photograph with the medical coordinator (aarogya mitra) could be waived, it would significantly benefit both the hospital and the patients.

Earlier in February 2025, Dr. Kolod had addressed similar issues in a previous letter, indicating that many patients, particularly those without a stable support system, lack the necessary Aadhar or ration cards. He pointed out that these individuals often remain in the hospital for extended periods, complicating the process of gathering required documentation.

MJPJAY is a significant state-sponsored health insurance initiative that began covering families in Maharashtra in 2023. The program offers cashless medical services for secondary and tertiary diseases requiring hospitalization, with coverage amounting to ₹5 lakh annually on a family floater basis. This means that the insurance can be utilized by one or all family members, encompassing a wide range of medical services across 34 specialties.

In response to Dr. Kolod’s letter, Aannasaheb Chavan, the CEO of MJPJAY, acknowledged previous efforts to address issues related to psychiatric patients. He stated, “We resolved certain issues pertaining to psychiatric patients earlier; however, if they still have any specific problems, then I will certainly look into this.” Chavan plans to conduct a video conference with medical superintendents from all mental health hospitals in the state to further investigate and resolve existing challenges.

The request for special considerations for psychiatric patients underscores the ongoing struggle many face in accessing necessary healthcare services, particularly those without support systems. As the conversation around mental health continues to evolve, initiatives like MJPJAY play a crucial role in providing essential care, though adjustments may be necessary to ensure that all patients receive the support they require.