Mumbai, May 19: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the need for improved and accessible health services across the state during a meeting on Monday. He stated that the state government is focused on effectively implementing various central and state schemes to enhance healthcare availability for the public.
Fadnavis directed all departments to work in coordination and complete the construction of the Ayushman Arogya Mandir, Critical Care Blocks, and laboratories within the stipulated time frame. This initiative aims to make the state’s healthcare system more effective, high-quality, and user-friendly.
To monitor social sector schemes, a Chief Minister’s War Room has been established. Under this framework, Fadnavis reviewed various central and state health schemes.
The meeting included a detailed review of pending tasks related to the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, strengthening health infrastructure under the 15th Finance Commission, the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, the establishment of new medical colleges, and the HPV vaccination campaign.
The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to providing quality and accessible health services in both urban and rural areas. He mentioned that a comprehensive action plan for Maharashtra has been developed after studying health systems in several states, including Tamil Nadu, and it is now crucial to implement it effectively.
Fadnavis stressed the importance of timely utilization of funds from the central government. He urged all district collectors to personally oversee the construction of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Critical Care Blocks, and integrated public health laboratories. Although there were initial delays, he noted that district performance is now satisfactory.
He acknowledged that some districts are still lagging, urging all to focus on completing projects within the set timelines. The Chief Minister insisted that there should be no lack of coordination among departments for pending projects and emphasized the need for a positive administrative mindset to complete tasks.
Fadnavis also called for a change in the perception that the health sector is of low priority. He stated that government health facilities must reflect quality, cleanliness, and better branding. Officials need to change the notion that cleanliness and service levels in government hospitals are poor.
He encouraged the adoption of new technologies, stating that modular technology can ensure better quality and timely construction. Citing improvements at a primary health center in Pune, he suggested that such initiatives should be replicated in other parts of the state.
The Chief Minister asserted, “Every official must take responsibility for their work so that the public can clearly feel improvements in the government health system.” He instructed to promptly resolve any obstacles in establishing medical colleges and noted that the meeting’s timelines would be officially recorded.
He added, “The next War Room meeting will review progress, and officials are expected to fulfill the commitments made today. Issues should not remain pending, and follow-ups must increase.”
Fadnavis urged that if any problem remains unresolved at any level, it should be escalated immediately to department heads, secretaries, the Chief Secretary, ministers, or himself, emphasizing that delays are unacceptable.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that projects related to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and medical colleges are being expedited to strengthen the state’s health infrastructure. He affirmed, “Strengthening health facilities is the government’s primary objective. Continuous reviews of the Ayushman Arogya Mandir scheme are underway. Upgrading primary health centers will provide better facilities in both rural and urban areas, while medical college projects will enhance human resources in the health sector.”
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