By Special Correspondent
Bhopal: In a significant initiative during the Budget Session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, senior Congress MLA and former Deputy Speaker Dr Rajendra Kumar Singh tabled a Private Member’s Bill seeking the introduction of universal free healthcare across the State.
The Bill has been introduced under Article 196 of the Constitution of India and Rule 25(1) of the Rules of Procedure of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly. Dr Singh asserted that access to healthcare should not be a privilege limited to a particular section, but a fundamental right of every citizen.
He proposed that every resident of Madhya Pradesh, irrespective of class, caste or income group, be granted annual health coverage of up to Rs 15 lakh.
During the discussion, Dr Singh argued that the existing Ayushman Bharat scheme offers limited coverage and that the present ceiling of Rs 5 lakh is inadequate for the treatment of serious illnesses.
The key provisions of the proposed Bill include universal coverage for all sections of society farmers, traders, employees, labourers and public representatives alike with the exception of those who already possess superior private health insurance. The Bill proposes free treatment up to Rs 15 lakh per family annually, with enhanced coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh for critical illnesses such as kidney and liver transplants, cancer and other complex surgical procedures.
Dr Singh pointed out that under the current Ayushman Bharat scheme, treatment up to Rs 5 lakh per family is available in Madhya Pradesh. However, due to eligibility conditions — including inclusion in the Below Poverty Line list, possession of a ration card, or registration under specific welfare schemes — only about 52 per cent of families benefit, leaving nearly 48 per cent excluded.
He further questioned why universal free treatment has recently been extended by the Union Government to all citizens above the age of 70 under the Ayushman scheme, regardless of caste, religion, class or income, while similar entitlement is not available to other citizens.
Drawing a comparison with benefits extended to civil servants, the MLA observed that IAS and IPS officers and their dependants receive comprehensive free medical treatment both during service and after retirement. “If such facilities can be assured to senior officials, why should ordinary citizens be denied the same?” he asked, invoking the slogan of inclusive development.
Dr Singh estimated that implementing the scheme would entail an annual expenditure of approximately Rs 8,000 to Rs 9,000 crore, based on the State’s population. He suggested that the programme could be executed with the participation of national insurance companies and integrated with the Ayushman Bharat framework. If necessary, he added, the government could even raise loans in the public interest to ensure its implementation.
He remarked that while the State Government is spending Rs 23,000 crore on the Ladli Behna scheme a move he said the Opposition does not oppose similar financial commitment should be made towards saving lives and providing free medical treatment. “This is the people’s Bill. The government may take full credit, but it must implement it,” he said.
Dr Singh noted that legislation is typically introduced by Ministers on behalf of the government, but Article 196 of the Constitution permits any legislator to introduce a Private Member’s Bill. He observed that instances of such comprehensive public welfare proposals being introduced by private members have been rare in the history of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly.
The proposed legislation does not impose any income, caste or class-based restrictions, except for excluding those who already possess better private health insurance. Dr Singh urged the State Government to consider the proposal seriously and move towards making healthcare in Madhya Pradesh genuinely universal and equitable.
