Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. File.
| Photo Credit: ANI
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed officials on Tuesday (April 8, 2025) to prepare a comprehensive project aimed at strengthening healthcare institutions across the state — from sub-health centres to tertiary referral hospitals — with the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). He said the initiative should be executed as a full-fledged “mission.”
The Chief Minister was speaking during a review meeting held at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, convened to discuss projects under the state’s Medical Education and Public Health departments to be executed in collaboration with the ADB. The meeting was attended by Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif and Public Health Minister Prakash Ambedkar, among other senior officials.
Mr. Fadnavis stressed the need for an effective framework to provide referral services for cancer diagnosis and treatment, in line with the Centre’s National Cancer Care Strategy. “A structured plan for cancer services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, should be prepared and executed within a fixed timeframe,” he said.
Plan for cancer services
He instructed the Medical Education and Public Health departments to jointly submit a detailed project report focused on strengthening health infrastructure and delivering quality care. He also advocated for innovative measures to ensure accessible and effective healthcare services for citizens.
The Chief Minister highlighted that government medical colleges are currently being established across the state. In these districts, associated public hospitals have been linked with the colleges. He called for the construction of independent hospitals in areas with high population density and patient load.
In districts where new government medical colleges have already started, Mr. Fadnavis proposed assessing the requirement for independent teaching hospitals under the Medical Education Department. “A detailed infrastructure plan must be drawn up, clearly identifying locations where new hospitals are essential,” he said, specifically recommending that a new teaching hospital be set up in Dharashiv.
Govt service for students
Mr. Fadnavis also suggested evaluating the feasibility of mandating government service in public hospitals for students admitted to postgraduate medical courses, after completion of their degrees.
Construction of government hospitals is underway in Alibag and Sindhudurg, while tenders have been floated for facilities in Amravati, Washim, and Dharashiv. A network of Centres of Excellence is being developed to enhance quality care.
An integrated Health Management Information System is also under development. Procurement of medical equipment is ongoing at Satara and Chandrapur government hospitals, as well as the Sir J. J. Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai. Additionally, new institutions focused on organ donation and transplantation are in the pipeline.
Published – April 10, 2025 05:01 am IST
