Activists oppose PMC’s decision to implement time limit to avail benefits of health scheme

Health activists have opposed the Pune Municipal Corporation health department’s move to implement a time limit to citizens availing the benefits of the Urban Poor Health Scheme. A time limit of only the first four months of the financial year has been implemented by the PMC health department for availing the benefits of the UPHS, officials said. The PMC initiated the UPHS a decade ago with the aim of providing free or discounted medical treatment to the economically weaker section at affiliated hospitals. Dr Bhagwan Pawar, health officer of the PMC, said, “If there is resistance from health activists and citizens regarding the changes, we will discuss the issue during the upcoming committee meeting.