Sanjay Jadhav become first patient to benefit from RGJAY

Sanjay Jadhav, a 48-year-old Ghansoli resident became the first patient of Navi Mumbai to get free treatment under the Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayee Aroigya Yojna (RGJAY) for his cardiac surgery conducted at Dr DY Patil Hospital in Nerul, earlier this month. Jadhav had two blockages in his heart and suffered a heart attack last year.

Jadhav, who works in a chemical factory in Turbhe, got the cost of the surgery -around Rs2 lakh- waived off, under the scheme.

Jadhav had the first heart attack in April 2013 and was admitted to civic hospital in Vashi. Later, he was sent to Dr D Y Patil Hospital in Nerul for further check-up. After carrying out an angiography, the doctors of DY Patil found two blockages in his heart's arteries. "I was helpless as I did not have money for the operation," said Jadhav.

With three daughters and a son, Jadhav could not imagine to bear the cost of his treatment. With his monthly income, he could hardly run his family. "I could not even imagine to bear the cost of my heart operation," recalled Jadhav. He then approached the local corporator for help.

RGJAY was recently launched in Ghansoli and Jadhav got lucky enough to generate his medical card under the scheme. "The scheme emerged as a saviour for me," said Jadhav.

Dipak Patil, a local social worker helped him get all the documents in place to receive the benefit. "The scheme was launched in the presence of state minister Satej Patil and Jadhav became the fiirst person to avail the opportunity," said Patil.

Jadhav's operation was conducted in the first week of March and he is recuperating at his home. "Now I am doing well and planning to start going to my work," said Jadhav.

According to a Dr D Y Patil Hospital official, there are a number of patients coming for treatment under the scheme. "The scheme has proved a boon for poor people who cannot bear the high cost of treatment," said the official.

Jeevandayee scheme offered by the Maharashtra government is a health insurance option for families earning less than Rs1 lakh per year. The premium is paid by the state government for insurance cover up to Rs1.5 lakh. The scheme was launched in July 2012.