The State Government on Thursday increased the Chief Minister Relief Fund (CMRF) assistance limits. As per the decision, those who were unable to get financial aid from Odisha State Treatment Fund (OSTF) for various reasons now can get 40 per cent of their total medical expenditure or highest assistance of Rs75,000 from the CMRF.
The decision to this effect was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. While cancer, heart and kidney patients would now get highest assistance of Rs1 lakh the annual income level for rural beneficiaries has been increased from Rs40,000 to Rs50,000.
The meeting decided that now the district Collector can provide assistance of Rs30,000 in emergency situation against the Rs20,000 norm. Similarly, Sub-Collectors have been authorised to release Rs20,000 against the Rs5,000 norm. The Collectors have also been authorised to provide financial support to accident victims, chronic patients, besides ensuring support for rehabilitation of disabled, orphans, poor and distress widows and to send poor patients to referral hospitals.
Chief Secretary GC Pati among many senior officials were present in the meeting. The Chief Minister on Thursday announced an ex gratia of Rs1 lakh for the families of those women dead in post delivery surgery at Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research at Burla. The compensation would be provided from the Chief Minister Relief Fund.