Life is inherently uncertain, especially for economically weaker sections who often struggle with limited awareness and inadequate access to quality healthcare. For many poor families in rural areas, expensive medical treatment can mean choosing between saving a loved one and losing their last remaining assets. For years, the healthcare landscape for the common citizen in Maharashtra remained challenging and inaccessible.A shift began after Devendra Fadnavis assumed office in late 2014 and identified public health as a core priority. His administration strengthened initiatives such as the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, aimed at providing affordable and quality medical care to citizens. In addition, the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Fund was established to extend financial help to patients requiring costly treatments.
Believing that genuine development is incomplete without a robust healthcare system, he undertook comprehensive reforms to upgrade the state’s medical infrastructure. Through the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell, treatment support worth ₹1,761 crore was extended to nearly 24 lakh patients over five years. Special initiatives such as Mission Dhavani were introduced, including the distribution of hearing aids to children with hearing impairments.
During his tenure, significant budgetary allocations were consistently directed toward the health sector. Financial assistance amounting to $500 billion was secured through the Asian Development Bank to strengthen public health infrastructure. Modern super-specialty hospitals were established in 34 districts, while seven dedicated hospitals were set up to serve workers and their families.Under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya scheme, eligible beneficiaries—including white ration card holders—were assured free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh. Dialysis centers were made operational at 108 locations across the state, and district hospitals were upgraded with improved facilities and equipment. Additionally, a state-of-the-art 450-bed cancer hospital was developed in Nagpur, modeled on the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, further expanding access to specialized oncology care.
Swachh Mukh Abhiyan started – Swachh Mukh Abhiyan
With the objective of transforming the functioning of government departments to make them more responsive, efficient, and citizen-centric, Devendra Fadnavis introduced an innovative initiative known as the Chief Minister Fellowship Program. Through this platform, young graduates from across Maharashtra were invited to work closely with administrative departments as interns, bringing fresh ideas, technological expertise, and youthful energy to improve governance and service delivery.One fellow from the 2018 batch, Dr. Mayur Mundhe, highlighted the alarming prevalence of oral cancer in the state during a presentation to Fadnavis. At that time, Maharashtra reported the highest number of oral cancer cases in the country. In response, and with the aim of promoting better oral hygiene and preventive healthcare, the state launched India’s first ‘Swachh Mukh Abhiyan’ under his leadership. With this initiative, Maharashtra became the pioneer state in implementing a focused public program dedicated to oral health awareness and prevention.Beyond policymaking, Fadnavis has often demonstrated a hands-on and compassionate approach toward individuals in need. During the Lok Sabha election campaign, while addressing more than 125 public meetings statewide, he continued to remain accessible to citizens. On one occasion near the Tekdi Ganapati Temple area in Nagpur, he noticed a 65-year-old accident victim lying severely injured by the roadside. He immediately halted his convoy, personally attended to the injured man, arranged for an ambulance, and ensured that medical assistance was provided without delay. He stayed at the scene until the patient was safely transported to the hospital.
In another instance, a young boy named Vedant Thackeray from Raigad district, who was battling thalassemia and confined to bed, received financial assistance of ₹40 lakh for life-saving treatment after Fadnavis learned about his condition. Following surgery and proper medical care, the child was able to walk independently. Similar support has been extended in cases ranging from heart transplant surgeries for workers to medical treatment for wrestler Vijay Doifode.
Many citizens have benefited through the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Fund, which has facilitated treatment for nearly 15 lakh patients at a cost of ₹842 crore across more than 450 hospitals. Even during the COVID-19 crisis, when he was Leader of the Opposition, Fadnavis actively visited district administrations to review preparedness, helped arrange ventilators and critical equipment, and worked to ensure that patients received timely hospitalization. He also advocated insurance protection for frontline healthcare workers.After assuming office as Deputy Chief Minister in 2022, he allocated ₹5,000 crore with assistance from the World Bank to further strengthen public healthcare infrastructure. Government hospitals expanded their services to include a range of free diagnostic tests. Additionally, the coverage limit under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, introduced in 2016, was enhanced from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh, broadening financial protection for beneficiaries.Numerous such instances reflect his empathetic leadership style. Having personally experienced the pain of losing a loved one due to inadequate medical care, Fadnavis has consistently emphasized accessible and quality healthcare, striving to ensure that no citizen is deprived of treatment because of financial constraints.
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