A recent air incident has cast doubts on the scheme’s safety and fairness. Marandi cited an instance where a severely burned patient—over 30% injuries—was denied government aid. Shockingly, the company relented only after securing a premium rate for the flight to Delhi.

‘Such discriminatory practices are squeezing money from desperate families,’ Marandi charged. He grilled the administration: What evidence backs the 30% cutoff for subsidies? Were specialists involved? And if higher burns make flying hazardous, why allow it for profit?

Despite ample funding—Rs 10 crore in the state budget—the initiative, operational since late April 2023, remains elitist, benefiting few. Marandi proposed immediate FIR against the operator, potential blacklisting, and a full fare refund review.

This controversy highlights systemic failures in healthcare delivery. With Marandi amplifying the issue, Jharkhand’s rulers must act swiftly to restore trust in this critical service.