Ranchi: In a significant policy move, the Jharkhand government is planning to extend healthcare benefits to ministers, MLAs, former MLAs, and their family members similar to those currently available to IAS and IPS officers. The state health department has prepared a proposal in this regard, which will soon be placed before the Cabinet for approval.
Once the Cabinet clears the proposal, the new healthcare system will come into effect, ensuring enhanced medical facilities and reimbursement support for public representatives.
Proposal Prepared by Health Department
According to officials, the Jharkhand Health Department has drafted new rules to provide structured medical benefits to legislators and former legislators.
The proposal seeks to create a framework similar to the medical facilities currently provided to officers of the All India Services.
At present, IAS and IPS officers receive medical benefits and reimbursement for treatment under the All-India Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1954.
Under the proposed arrangement, medical reimbursement for ministers, MLAs and former MLAs will be processed through the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly Secretariat.
Initiative Under Chief Minister Hemant Soren
State Health Minister Irfan Ansari said the initiative was taken under the direction of Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
Sharing the update through social media, Ansari stated that the draft rules have already been prepared and will soon be sent to the Cabinet for consideration.
He described the move as an important step aimed at ensuring improved medical care for elected representatives and their families.
Addressing Concerns Raised by Legislators
According to Ansari, several MLAs had earlier raised concerns about the difficulties they faced while seeking treatment, particularly regarding access to appropriate hospital facilities and medical coverage.
Taking these concerns seriously, the state government conducted detailed discussions and reviews before deciding to introduce a new framework.
The earlier system will be replaced with a more comprehensive arrangement designed to provide better healthcare access.
Existing Health Coverage in the State
The Jharkhand government already provides health insurance coverage to state government employees and lawyers.
With the implementation of the proposed system, ministers, MLAs, and former MLAs will also be able to access expanded healthcare benefits and reimbursement facilities.
Officials say the move is expected to ensure more structured medical support for public representatives.
Move Towards Healthcare Policy Reform
Health Minister Irfan Ansari emphasized that ensuring proper healthcare facilities for ministers and legislators is an important responsibility of the government.
He pointed out that IAS and IPS officers already receive structured medical facilities through the health department, and similar arrangements should be made available for elected representatives as well.
According to Ansari, the new system is designed to resolve challenges faced by MLAs during treatment, including limited access to suitable hospitals and reimbursement mechanisms.
Following detailed consultations and study, the government has decided to replace the earlier arrangement with a stronger framework, marking a notable reform in Jharkhand’s healthcare policy.
