Patients suffering from rare diseases can raise funds and make voluntary donations through this online portal- A digital portal for crowdfunding and voluntary donations has been launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for the treatment of patients with rare diseases, according to the National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021.
File a complaint against a registered medical practitioner- An appellate can initiate an inquiry and action against any registered Indian Medical Council registered medical practitioner who has committed professional misconduct. On receiving a complaint, the State Medical Council holds an inquiry and allows the respondent/pleader to be heard personally.
Financial Assistance to Poor
Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF)- A majority of the PMNRF funds are used to provide immediate assistance to flood victims, cyclone victims, earthquake victims, and victims of major accidents. The PMNRF also assists indigent patients in obtaining treatment at Government hospitals for major diseases in order to partially defray expenses. In order to make disbursements, the Prime Minister must approve them.
A form addressed to the Prime Minister can be used to request financial assistance. In order to qualify for financial assistance for medical treatment, applicants must submit two passport-sized photographs of the patient (one pasted on the application and one stapled to the application), a copy of their proof of residency, the original medical certificate stating the type of disease, and an estimate of the cost of treatment, along with a copy of their income verification. Upon receiving an application, the Prime Minister considers it and makes disbursements in accordance with the PMNRF's prior commitments and funds available.
Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN)- Since 1997, RAN has provided financial assistance to patients living below the poverty line and who are suffering from major health problems related to heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, cancer, etc., so that they can obtain medical care at one of the super-specialty Government hospitals or institutes. Patients receiving such financial assistance will receive a one-time grant from the Medical Superintendent of the hospital where they are receiving treatment.
It would enable hospitals and institutions to begin treating patients with life-threatening diseases who are prima facie eligible for assistance under the Scheme. Additionally, this would allow thousands of patients to be relieved of the pain of procedural delays.
National Health Policies
National Blood Policy- In addition to ensuring easy access to and sufficient supply of blood and blood components, the policy also aims to ensure that they are stored and transported in optimal conditions, free from transfusion-transmissible infections, and in well-equipped facilities. Through a comprehensive, efficient, and total quality management approach, all who need blood transfusions will have access to it, regardless of their economic or social status.
National Health Policy- Health sector approaches in the Five-Year Plans have been well guided by the National Health Policy of 1983 and the National Health Policy of 2002. Four major changes have taken place in the current context. There is a shift in health priorities. Although maternal and child mortality has declined rapidly, noncommunicable diseases and some infectious diseases are growing in burden. In addition, a robust health care industry has emerged, which is expected to grow by double digits in the coming years. Lastly, there is the growing incidence of catastrophic medical expenditures that contribute significantly to poverty. A rising economy allows fiscal capacity to be enhanced. To respond to these contextual changes, a new health policy is needed.
Its goal is to provide comprehensive integrated care to everyone so they can move toward wellness. The program aims at providing quality health care services at an affordable cost to all while achieving universal health coverage.