Govt. spends ₹1,685 crore under CMRF covering nearly 4 lakh patients

Hyderabad

The Telangana government has significantly increased its financial assistance to patients under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) by releasing ₹1,685.79 crore and benefiting over 3,76,373 people.

Among these, Letters of Credit (LOC) were released worth ₹533.69 crore for 27,421 cases while ₹1,152 crore was released under reimbursement cases covering 3,48,952 cases. Letters of Credit have been sanctioned to government institutions that provide specialised treatments, ensuring that people receive quality medical care without financial burden.

According to official data, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) accounted for 26,694 Letters of Credit (LOC) cases, making it the highest beneficiary under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF). The MNJ Cancer Hospital recorded 316 LOC cases, extending crucial support to cancer patients, while the Government ENT Hospital facilitated 196 cases, providing surgeries and hearing equipment to patients with auditory disorders.

To enhance transparency and curb the involvement of middlemen, the government has streamlined the application system by shifting it entirely online. Aadhaar-based verification has been made compulsory to prevent fraudulent claims. Additionally, cheques issued under the scheme will carry both the beneficiary’s name and bank account details to ensure fool-proof disbursement.

Officials clarified that the assistance is available only to residents of Telangana and families with an annual income below ₹1.60 lakh, typically those holding White Ration Cards.

Applicants can submit their forms through the official Telangana CMRF website, along with necessary documents such as identification proofs, income certificates, hospital estimates, discharge summaries and bank passbook details. A recommendation letter from the local MLA, MLC or MP remains mandatory for processing applications.

The government stated that this support is in addition to the healthcare benefits already provided under the Rajiv Aarogyasri scheme, further strengthening the state’s healthcare safety net. A special telephone line (040-23455662) to deal with the assistance and application has been established.