Ward 24: Kamala Nehru Hospital Modernisation to Strengthen Public Healthcare in Pune
Mangalwar Peth, 9th January 2026: The modernisation of Kamala Nehru Hospital, expected to significantly strengthen public healthcare services in the city, was recently inaugurated with the foundation stone-laying of development works worth Rs 13 crore by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Once completed, the upgraded facility is set to become a major healthcare landmark for residents of Ward No. 24 and the wider Pune city.
The redevelopment of Kamala Nehru Hospital has been driven by sustained efforts from BJP’s official candidate from Ward No. 24 (Kasba Ganpati–Kamala Nehru–KEM Hospital) and former Leader of the House, Ganesh Bidkar. Bidkar has consistently pursued improvements and modernisation of the hospital, citing both public responsibility and a long-standing personal association with the institution.
Under the approved project, the hospital will be equipped with five state-of-the-art operation theatres, expanded infrastructure, improved interiors, dedicated waiting areas for patients and relatives, a cafeteria, and an on-grid solar power system. The upgrades aim to enhance treatment capacity, patient comfort and overall efficiency, making the hospital a key pillar of public healthcare in the central Pune area.
Bidkar’s association with Kamala Nehru Hospital runs deep. His mother, Nandini Bidkar, served as a nurse at the hospital for 18 years, and he spent much of his childhood visiting the premises alongside her. This personal connection, he has said on several occasions, has shaped his commitment towards the hospital’s development.
Earlier, several infrastructure and healthcare upgrades were carried out during the tenure of his father, late Madhukar Bidkar, a former corporator and former standing committee chairman. The momentum continued during Ganesh Bidkar’s own tenure as corporator and standing committee chairman, with a focus on improving access to quality treatment for citizens.
At present, Kamala Nehru Hospital offers advanced facilities such as CT scan, angiography and a cath lab. A 24-hour blood bank, established in memory of late Madhukar Bidkar, is also operational. Party leaders and local residents have credited the Bidkar family’s long-term vision and Ganesh Bidkar’s consistent follow-up for these developments.
Expressing his emotional connect with the institution, Ganesh Bidkar said his sense of responsibility towards Kamala Nehru Hospital goes beyond politics, adding that continuous efforts would be made to further strengthen healthcare services for citizens.
