Health Minister Abitkar confirms ₹8,000 crore proposal submitted to ADB for funding
Mumbai: In a major move to strengthen Maharashtra’s public healthcare infrastructure and reduce dependence on costly private treatment, the state government has proposed the establishment of two cancer hospitals and eight new district hospitals. Health Minister Prakash Abitkar confirmed on Thursday that a preliminary project proposal seeking ₹8,000 crore in funding has been submitted to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
“With the steep rise in patient numbers and unaffordable costs at private hospitals, the state has decided to expand its public health facilities. A tentative plan has been submitted to ADB, and we have already received in-principle approval from the state government,” Abitkar told Hindustan Times.
Cancer Hospitals in Pune and Nashik
As part of the proposal, two dedicated cancer treatment centres will be constructed in Aundh (Pune) and Nashik, while eight district hospitals will be built in underserved regions to improve access to quality care, especially in semi-urban and rural areas.
Officials noted that the plan is in line with Maharashtra’s broader health infrastructure reform, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The state is prioritising the expansion of affordable healthcare services through ADB-supported initiatives.
CM Reviews Health Reforms Mission
As previously reported by Medical Dialogues, the Chief Minister recently chaired a high-level review meeting at Sahyadri Guest House, Mumbai, directing departments to execute a statewide health infrastructure mission. This initiative will upgrade facilities ranging from sub-health centres to tertiary care hospitals, aiming to offer high-quality and accessible services to every citizen.
Once final clearance from the Chief Minister’s office is granted, the proposal will be formally submitted to ADB for funding consideration.
