Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) To Launch Health Clinics In Fiber Containers

Pune, 2nd October 2023: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), possessing properties worth Rs 37,000 crores in the city, is making a unique move to accommodate state and central government healthcare clinics. With limited space available to establish the state government’s “Aapla Dawakhana” and the central government’s “Arogyavardhini Kendra,” these clinics will soon find their home in “fibre containers.”

Under the Smart City Clinic initiative, a few such clinics have already been established in certain areas. The central government has given the green light for up to 125 health promotion centres to be operated by the municipal corporation. Simultaneously, the state government has sanctioned 58 “Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana” facilities, each equipped with doctors and trained medical staff, with expenses covered by the central and state governments. The Municipal Corporation’s responsibility will mainly involve providing physical infrastructure, including buildings, water, toilets, drainage, and electricity.

To expedite the process and avoid delays related to site selection, the administration plans to launch 58 container clinics in the initial phase. These containers, readily available, require minimal construction work and will be placed in open spaces within the Municipal Corporation’s jurisdiction.

Pune’s Municipal Corporation faces challenges due to disputes involving local councillors and community temples. The land acquired for these temples through development plans often ends up in the possession of people’s representatives. The municipality now requires space for patient care but faces opposition when attempting to repurpose these sites. Amidst these disputes, the administration has chosen to use fibre containers as a practical solution.

Pune’s healthcare infrastructure aims to establish one municipal hospital for every 30,000 citizens. The city currently boasts 72 medical treatment centres, consisting of 19 health centres and various clinics that primarily cater to economically disadvantaged individuals. This led to the central government’s approval for 125 additional health centres, although 71 of them remain unallocated. Additionally, seat assignments for 58 “Aapla Dawakhanas” from the state government have faced challenges, with some seats even being cancelled under pressure.