In a significant move, the Jharkhand government is planning to extend healthcare facilities to ministers, MLAs, former MLAs, and their family members on par with those available to IAS and IPS officers.
The state health department has reportedly prepared a proposal in this regard, which will soon be placed before the Cabinet for approval. The new system will come into effect once the Cabinet clears the proposal.
At present, IAS and IPS officers receive medical benefits and reimbursement for treatment under the All‑India Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1954.
On similar lines, reimbursement for medical expenses of legislators and former legislators will be handled by the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly Secretariat.
State Health Minister Irfan Ansari said the initiative was taken under the direction of Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Sharing the update on social media, Ansari said a draft of the proposed rules has already been prepared and will soon be sent to the Cabinet for consideration.
He described the move as an important step that will help ensure improved medical care for public representatives and their families.
Ansari noted that several MLAs had earlier raised concerns regarding the difficulties they faced while seeking treatment and the lack of adequate coverage at hospitals.
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Taking these issues seriously, the government conducted detailed discussions and reviews before deciding to scrap the earlier arrangement and introduce a new framework. He added that the proposal has the approval of the Chief Minister.
The Jharkhand government already offers health insurance coverage to state government employees and lawyers. With the proposed system in place, ministers, MLAs and former MLAs will also be able to avail more comprehensive healthcare benefits.
The health minister said that ensuring proper healthcare facilities for ministers, legislators and their families is one of his key responsibilities.
He pointed out that since IAS and IPS officers receive structured medical facilities through the health department, similar arrangements should be available for elected representatives as well.
According to Ansari, the new system aims to address the challenges faced by MLAs during treatment, including limited access to suitable hospital facilities.
After extensive study and consultations, the government has opted to replace the previous arrangement with a more robust framework, marking a notable reform in the state’s healthcare policy.
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