Mumbai, May 18: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the need for improved and accessible health services across the state during a meeting on Monday. He highlighted the government’s commitment to effectively implement various central and state schemes aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery.
Fadnavis instructed all departments to work in coordination and complete projects such as the Ayushman Aarogya Mandir, critical care blocks, and laboratory constructions within the stipulated timelines to ensure a more effective and quality health system.
A war room has been established to monitor social sector schemes, under which the Chief Minister reviewed various central and state health initiatives. The meeting included a detailed review of pending tasks related to the Prime Minister’s Jan Arogya Yojana, strengthening health infrastructure under the 15th Finance Commission, the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, the establishment of new medical colleges, and the HPV vaccination campaign.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of 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 states like Tamil Nadu, and it is crucial to implement it effectively.
Fadnavis noted the necessity of timely utilization of funds from the central government, urging district collectors to personally oversee the construction of Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs, critical care blocks, and integrated public health laboratories. While acknowledging initial delays, he expressed satisfaction with the current performance of districts.
He pointed out that some districts are still lagging, and all must focus on completing projects on time. The Chief Minister emphasized that there should be no lack of coordination among departments regarding pending projects and urged a positive administrative approach to complete them.
He also highlighted the need to change the perception that government health facilities are of lower quality, cleanliness, and branding. Officials were encouraged to adopt new technologies, stating that modular technology could enhance quality and ensure timely construction.
Referencing improvements at a primary health center in Pune, he suggested that such initiatives should be replicated in other parts of the state. Fadnavis insisted that every official must take responsibility for their work to ensure visible improvements in the public health system.
He directed the immediate resolution of obstacles in establishing medical colleges and confirmed that the timelines discussed in the meeting would be officially recorded. Progress will be reviewed in the next war room meeting, and officials are expected to fulfill the commitments made.
The Chief Minister urged that any unresolved issues should be escalated to department heads, secretaries, the chief secretary, ministers, or himself without delay.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that projects related to Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs and medical colleges are being expedited to strengthen the state’s health infrastructure. He reiterated that enhancing health facilities is a primary objective of the government, with ongoing reviews of the Ayushman Aarogya Mandir scheme. Upgrading primary health centers will provide better services to both rural and urban populations, while medical college projects will increase human resources in the health sector.