Major Relief for Cancer Patients: PET-CT Scan Included in Mahatma Phule and Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Schemes, Reducing Financial Burden of Costlier Diagnostics
The State Government of Maharashtra has taken an important decision to provide costly PET-CT scan diagnostics, important for accurate cancer staging and treatment monitoring, under the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
This decision will help lower the heavy out-of-pocket expenses borne by cancer patients for expensive diagnostic tests.
The Public Health Department has issued a Government Resolution (GR) including PET-CT scans as an ‘Add-on Diagnostic Procedure’ across 63 cancer treatment packages, while also granting approval for it as a ‘Standalone/Regular Diagnostic Procedure’ for 13 specific types of cancer.
You may read the Government Resolution in this regard by clicking here.
Previously, this facility was restricted to 44 treatment packages, but the scope has now been expanded.
This policy shift follows recommendations from an independent study committee established under the guidance of Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Tanaji Sawant / Prakash Abitkar. Standardized rates for the scans have been fixed at ₹20,400 for Whole Body, ₹14,650 for Brain, ₹15,000 for Gallium-68, and ₹9,400 for Cardiac, with strict adherence to guidelines required by empanelled hospitals.
Mandatory conditions include medical certification by a specialist, necessary technical infrastructure and an in-house PET-CT center at the hospital, and prior authorization with required medical documentation.
The State Health Assurance Society has been directed to update the National Health Authority’s TMS 2.0 platform for effective implementation.
