Legislators Urge for Better Healthcare Infrastructure Ahead of Budget
Pune: Ahead of the state budget presentation on March 10, elected representatives highlighted critical issues in Maharashtra’s government hospitals, including the lack of super specialists, staff shortages, expensive medicines, and inadequate infrastructure. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who also holds the finance portfolio, will present the budget.
Govt Hospitals Lack Super Specialists
Shivajinagar MLA Siddharth Shirole pointed out that while government hospitals have improved their infrastructure and acquired modern medical equipment, they still lack super specialists. “Many hospitals are still run by medical colleges without expert doctors,” he stated. He suggested that the state create new posts for super specialists and consider outsourcing specialized services by collaborating with private practitioners.
Overburdened Facilities and Infrastructure Gaps
Kasba Peth MLA Hemant Rasane (BJP) highlighted the challenges faced by Sassoon General Hospital in Pune, which serves a high number of patients, including those from outside the district. Due to infrastructure constraints, many OPD patients fail to secure appointments and are forced to buy expensive medicines from outside.
Pune Cantonment MLA Sunil Kamble (BJP) also criticized Sassoon Hospital’s functioning, noting that 2,200 patients visit the hospital daily, but staff shortages hinder efficient care. “Many times, relatives are asked to carry patients on stretchers, and the existing staff lacks compassion,” he said.
Govt to Address Healthcare Issues
Responding to these concerns, Minister of State for Medical Education, Madhuri Misal, acknowledged that hospitals are overwhelmed by the high patient load. She announced that the government would hold a meeting with health officials and MLAs at Sassoon Hospital after the assembly session to address public healthcare issues.
“Sassoon Hospital sees nearly 5.5 lakh OPD patients and 60,000 admissions annually. To improve services, the government is introducing online appointments to reduce waiting time. Additionally, medicines worth ₹12.94 crore have been procured in the past year,” Misal said.
Sassoon Hospital has previously been in the spotlight for irregularities, particularly after drug kingpin Lalit Patil escaped from the facility a couple of years ago.
