India, April 13 -- The health department of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) submitted a proposal to the civic administration recommending an increase of financial assistance under the urban poor health scheme from Rs.2 lakh to Rs.3-5 lakh for eligible patients suffering from chronic illness, health officials said on Sunday

The issue was discussed in a recent standing committee meeting after patients and activists urged the civic body to increase the coverage for those suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer, kidney failure and heart disease.

The scheme, launched in 2010, was recently named after former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. As per the scheme, eligible citizens residing within PMC limits can avail free or subsidised ...