Pune: Chinchwad MLA Demands Super Specialty Hospital at Aundh District Hospital
Mumbai, 22nd March 2025: In a recent session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Chinchwad MLA Shankar Jagtap demanded the establishment of a super specialty hospital on the premises of Aundh District Hospital. While speaking on the budget allocations for public health, medical education, and tribal departments for the 2025-26 financial year, he highlighted the need for increased investment in medical infrastructure, stating that only 66% of the allocated funds had been utilized by the state government.
Jagtap pointed out that Pune district’s rapid population growth and urbanization are putting immense pressure on the public health system, particularly in the Aundh-Sangvi area. He stressed the need to ensure timely and quality healthcare, adding that due to administrative neglect, the public health system has not been adequately strengthened, forcing citizens to rely on expensive private hospitals.
Proposal for Super Specialty Hospital & Infrastructure Upgrades
To ensure that affordable and advanced medical treatment is accessible to common citizens, Jagtap called for upgrading key departments at Aundh District Hospital, including the outpatient department (OPD), surgery room, intensive care unit (ICU), dialysis unit, and MRI facilities.
Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s healthcare policy, he urged the government to approve and fund a proposal for a modern super specialty hospital at Aundh Hospital, modeled on AIIMS.
Jagtap also demanded the demolition of a 40-year-old, unsafe water tank on the hospital premises and the construction of a new high-capacity water tank. He called for the immediate approval of ₹228.48 lakh for this project, as proposed by the Maharashtra Jeevan Authority (MJP).
Concerns Over Overpriced Medical Supplies & Substandard Medicines
Jagtap raised concerns about overpricing in hospitals and pharmacies, stating that many establishments charge five to ten times the actual price for essential medical materials. He also alleged that some hospitals force patients to purchase medicines from specific vendors, adding to the financial burden on families.
He urged the government to regulate the pricing of surgical materials and take strict action against such unfair practices.
In the Assembly, he proposed that all registered hospitals in Maharashtra must clearly display inspection and service charges, in compliance with the Bombay Nursing Act. He called for strict penalties and temporary suspension of registrations for hospitals failing to do so.
Highlighting issues related to substandard and counterfeit medicines, he cited a Central Drugs Quality Control Board report, which found 53 medicines to be of substandard quality. To address this, he suggested implementing the ‘e-Aushadhi’ system for tracking medicine stock and quality, ensuring that all medicines are tested in NABL-certified laboratories.
Addressing Medical Staff Shortages
Jagtap also raised concerns about the large number of vacancies for medical officers and paramedical staff in government hospitals and medical colleges. He urged the government to immediately complete recruitments to strengthen public healthcare services.
Call for Government Action
Emphasizing the urgent need for reforms, Jagtap urged the government to take immediate action to expand Aundh District Hospital and improve healthcare infrastructure across Maharashtra.
