MLA Bapu Pathare Maharashtra Government to Establish Cancer Hospital in Pune
Mumbai, 16th July 2025: Raising key health concerns during the ongoing monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislature, Vadgaonsheri MLA Bapu Pathare has once again demanded the setting up of a dedicated cancer hospital in Pune, especially for women suffering from cervical cancer. The issue was discussed in detail during a half-hour session held on Tuesday.
Pathare questioned the state government on whether it plans to offer the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine free of cost to prevent cervical cancer in women. Highlighting the urgent need for specialized cancer care, he reiterated his 11-year-long demand to construct a cancer hospital on Public Works Department land opposite Sassoon Hospital, modeled after the Tata Memorial Centre.
The MLA also called for the inclusion of testing, chemotherapy, and other treatment protocols for blood cancer under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana. He emphasized that such steps are essential to make cancer care affordable and accessible to economically disadvantaged patients.
Responding to the concerns, State Health Minister Dr. Prakash Ambitkar announced that a state-wide campaign for HPV vaccination will soon be launched. On the proposal for a cancer hospital in Pune, he said that the Health Department has submitted the request to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and that if all stakeholders remain firm on the issue, budgetary provisions may be made in the upcoming state budget.
Pathare’s demands, focused on preventive healthcare and accessible cancer treatment, are being seen as a potential roadmap for shaping the state’s future health policy.
