Pune News: Allegations Against PMC Committee For Proposing 50% Hike In Dialysis Rates Under Urban Poor Scheme
Pune News: Allegations Against PMC Committee For Proposing 50% Hike In Dialysis Rates Under Urban Poor Scheme
Pune, April 22, 2025: Concerns have been raised over a proposed 50% hike in dialysis charges under the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Urban Poor Scheme, with civic activist Vivek Velankar of the Sajag Nagrik Manch alleging that the new rate-fixing committee has disregarded earlier recommendations and acted in the interest of private hospitals.
The PMC currently provides financial aid of ₹2 lakh per year for dialysis treatment to poor and needy patients through this scheme. Dialysis services are offered across eight centers run either by PMC or private institutions and also through 37 empanelled private hospitals. Due to varying rates among hospitals, PMC had constituted a committee to bring consistency to dialysis charges.
“Last year, a previous committee had recommended a uniform rate—₹1,130 for hospitals under joint projects and a maximum of ₹1,350 for empanelled private hospitals,” said Velankar. “However, the new committee has proposed a 50% increase, raising the maximum rate from ₹1,350 to ₹1,950, without considering the earlier report.”
Velankar claimed that the new rates are unjust and would burden needy patients who depend on the scheme. He has appealed to PMC Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale not to implement the proposed hike and instead adhere to the rates recommended by the previous committee.
He further alleged that the current committee’s recommendation serves the interests of select private hospitals. “This hike is unfair. The Commissioner must instruct officials to maintain the previous rate structure,” Velankar demanded.
The issue has sparked criticism, with concerns that the move could severely impact economically disadvantaged patients relying on subsidized dialysis treatments.
