Last week, a tragic incident happened at a hospital in Nanded, Maharashtra, where at least 35 people lost their lives within 48 hours due to inadequate medical supplies and staff shortages.
In response to this, Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to overhaul the state's health administration.
The announcement came on Monday, October 9, following a high-level meeting where the current state of health administration was reviewed. This systemic upgrade is called “Vision 2035.” A key aspect of this plan is to double public health spending.
The meeting was attended by several high-level officials, including Deputy CM Fadnavis and Pawar, Health Minister Tanaji Sawant, Minister of Medical Education Hasan Mushrif, leader of the action group Dr. Deepak Sawant, Chief Secretary Manoj Saunik, and ACS of all relevant ministries.
राज्यातील आरोग्य यंत्रणेचा संपूर्ण कायापालट होण्याच्या दिशेने आज राज्य शासनाने मोठे पाऊल टाकले आहे. सार्वजनिक आरोग्यावरील खर्च दुप्पट करणे, सर्व जिल्ह्यांमध्ये सर्व सुविधांयुक्त स्पेशालिटी रुग्णालये उभारणे तसेच ग्रामीण भागातील आरोग्य यंत्रणा मजबूत करण्यासाठी युद्धपातळीवर पाऊले… pic.twitter.com/z5G5ZMf50C
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) October 9, 2023
CM Eknath Shinde had instructed public health department representatives to develop a plan for constructing government hospitals in 25 districts within 15 days. The government will establish specialty hospitals in every district. Special attention is being given to rural areas, with plans to strengthen the healthcare system. Plans are underway to construct new hospitals with modern amenities in districts where hospitals have been shut down or moved. A committee comprising ACS Health, ACS Finance, and ACS Medical Education will be formed to oversee this initiative.
Also Read: Deaths in Maharashtra Hospitals Spark Outcry and Demand for Investigation
The plan also includes the immediate purchase of necessary medical supplies and equipment. District collectors have been instructed by CM Shinde to ensure the immediate procurement of medical supplies and equipment. They have been granted authority to use planned funds for these acquisitions.
Shinde also ordered the strengthening of 14 existing Stree Rugnalaya hospitals, which are solely for women. He also directed the administration to fill open positions in all hospitals promptly and expedite the process of acquiring medicines. The hospitals have 19,695 open positions across all hierarchies. The CM requested that these vacancies be filled by the end of the month.
According to a presentation by the public health department, out of the 34 district hospitals it manages, 13 have been transferred to the appropriate medical colleges. The agency highlighted the need for new hospitals, as there are currently only 9 independent civil hospitals.
After recent criticism from the Bombay High Court (HC) over delays in appointing a CEO, Shinde ordered the immediate appointment of an IAS officer as CEO of the Maharashtra Medical Procurement Authority.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar emphasised that district collectors would be held accountable for procuring medical supplies. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed concern over underutilisation of public health funds and urged for the implementation of telemedicine facilities.
In accordance with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's suggestion, the government will expand the use of telemedicine services in rural areas. It will bridge the gap in healthcare access in remote regions.
Also Read: Nanded deaths: State health department approves 2,862 temporary posts
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