By IANS, [RxPG] New Delhi, May 15 - Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister Ram Vilas Paswan Tuesday said that he has recommended parliamentarians be allowed to spend 20 percent of their development fund for 'better health to poor people'.
'Me and our Pharmaceutical Advisory Forum - feel that the 20 percent of the MP Local Area Development Fund - should go into improving health of poor people,' Paswan told reporters here.
'We are going to write to the central government and state governments on the issue. Soon it will be presented in the cabinet. Once finalised, we MPs can provide Rs.300 crore - annually for this purpose,' he added.
The minister said poor people suffering from critical diseases like cancer, heart attack, rare surgeries can approach their MPs for assistance.
'In such situations, the money will not be given directly to the patient or his relatives. Rather the hospital will get the treatment cost from this fund,' he explained.
The minister said the provision should start with MPs and percolate down to MLAs and councillors in the municipal level as well.
'Sometimes, MPs forward letter on behalf of poor patients for a grant from the PM's special fund but it has its own limitations. We need to amend the law and make this provision mandatory for greater cause,' he said after a meting of the PAF.
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