In a controversial move, the government of Maharashtra has opened five common service centres across the border district of Belagavi to enrol specifically Marathi-speaking population for its health insurance scheme.
The Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Health Scheme offers cashless treatment to beneficiaries and post treatment reimbursement to hospitals for Maharashtrians and now extends to Marathi-speaking population in the border region. Rules of the scheme allow cashless treatment and surgeries to beneficiaries in over 1,000 hospitals, including 140 hospitals in Karnataka.
A circular from the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s office issued on January 4, 2024, has made the scheme applicable to Marathi-speakers in border areas of Karnataka. The letter also says the Marathi-speaking residents of Karnataka can seek financial assistance for health care.
