Pune Announces Major Public Health Infrastructure Overhaul
In a significant move to bolster public health services, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Standing Committee Chairman Shrinath Bhimale unveiled a comprehensive plan on Tuesday. The initiative focuses on upgrading critical healthcare facilities and enhancing accessibility for citizens.
Upgrading Maternity and General Hospitals
Six PMC-run maternity units and five general hospitals are set to receive advanced facilities as part of this ambitious upgrade. Bhimale emphasized that these improvements aim to provide multi-speciality health services at affordable rates, ensuring better care for Pune's residents.
Renaming Urban Poor Health Scheme
In a tribute to the late Deputy Chief Minister, the PMC's Urban Poor Health Scheme has been officially renamed as the 'Late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Urban Poor Health Scheme'. This renaming was welcomed by corporators of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which Ajit Pawar formerly led.
Bhimale added that a detailed review of the scheme is planned, with criteria changes to strengthen it and extend benefits to more people. Over 12,000 patients currently avail services daily at PMC-run health facilities, highlighting the scheme's importance.
Budget Allocation and Future Projects
A provision of Rs150 crore has been allocated in the budget to extend medical benefits under various schemes. Bhimale assured that hospitals will offer comprehensive health services, with the civic administration aiming to improve infrastructure and provide trained doctors.
Additionally, the cancer hospital under development in Baner on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis is expected to be operational within the next few months. Plans are also in place to upgrade facilities at PMC-run Kamla Nehru Hospital and Annasaheb Magar Hospital.
Women's Sanitation Initiative
Beyond healthcare, Bhimale announced the establishment of 100 public toilets for women across various areas. A permanent provision will ensure their maintenance, addressing sanitation needs and promoting public health.
This multi-faceted approach underscores Pune's commitment to enhancing public health infrastructure, from hospital upgrades to sanitation, benefiting thousands of citizens daily.
