Maharashtra Announces Major Healthcare Overhaul: Super Specialty Hospitals In All 34 Districts
Mumbai, 9th October 2023: In a significant move aimed at overhauling the entire healthcare system in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde today announced a series of initiatives. These include doubling public healthcare spending, establishing super specialty hospitals in all 34 districts, and strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure.
The announcement came during a high-level meeting at the Secretariat, attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, among other key officials. The meeting also discussed healthcare funding and recruitment.
Immediate Procurement of Medicines and Equipment
District authorities have been empowered to make immediate purchases of medicines and medical equipment from district planning funds. The Chief Minister directed that essential medicines should be procured immediately, ensuring that no complaints arise regarding the unavailability of medicines in any district.
Upgrading District Hospitals
Taking into account the closure of 13 district hospitals attached to medical colleges and the transfer of 12 others to the Medical Education Department, the Chief Minister directed that new, fully-equipped district hospitals be established in 25 districts. A committee comprising senior officials will prepare a blueprint within the next 15 days.
Increase in Public Healthcare Spending
The Chief Minister emphasized the need to increase public spending on healthcare. He instructed that the funds allocated by the 15th Finance Commission should be fully utilized by next March. An additional fund of Rs 1,263 crore is also expected to be required.
Fast-Track Recruitment
Currently, 19,695 positions are vacant in the Public Health Department, and the recruitment process has been initiated through TCS. The Chief Minister directed that these positions should be filled within the next month.
Compassionate Appointments
The Chief Minister also directed that compassionate appointments for technical positions in the health department should be made immediately by each district authority.
New Health Circles
Considering the increasing population and healthcare demand, the Chief Minister directed the formation of nine new health circles in addition to the existing eight.
Telemedicine in Rural Areas
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis suggested increasing the use of telemedicine in rural and remote areas to reduce the burden on urban healthcare systems. The Chief Minister directed immediate implementation where necessary.
Focus on Cleanliness and Drinking Water
The Chief Minister emphasized that regular visits to district and other government hospitals should ensure high standards of cleanliness, availability of drinking water, and proper sanitation.
Control Vector-Borne Diseases
The Chief Minister also issued directions to control the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. He instructed that blood donation camps should be organized, and public awareness should be raised.
