Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar on Wednesday welcomed the state government's decision to increase the financial assistance limit under the Mukhyamantri Sahayta Kosh from Rs 2.50 lakh to Rs 4 lakh. He stated that the enhanced limit would enable more needy and economically weaker patients to access financial support for the treatment of serious illnesses, which often involve medical expenses beyond the reach of low-income families.
Scheme Background and Impact
The minister highlighted that the fund has been operational since 2006 and was launched under the leadership of former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to assist economically weaker patients requiring costly and critical medical care. During 2024-25, financial assistance worth Rs 216 crore was provided to 27,890 patients. In 2025-26, assistance amounting to Rs 202 crore was extended to 25,731 patients up to March 2026. Notably, in April 2026 alone, Rs 17 crore was disbursed among 2,028 patients.
Revised Income Threshold and Benefits
Nishant Kumar explained that the revised income threshold and enhanced assistance limit would allow a larger number of eligible families to seek timely treatment for serious and incurable diseases, reducing delays caused by financial constraints. He thanked Chief Minister Samrat Choudary for approving the proposal and reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring timely and quality healthcare support for patients facing critical health conditions.
The minister's remarks underscore the state's focus on expanding healthcare access for the underprivileged, with the increased aid limit expected to significantly reduce the financial burden on low-income households grappling with serious medical conditions.
