Public Health System to Be Made Stronger, Inclusive and Technology-Driven: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai, March 2026 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that the state government is working towards building a stronger, more inclusive, and technology-driven public healthcare system. Leveraging modern technologies, the government aims to enable early diagnosis of serious diseases, develop cost-effective treatment methods, and provide high-quality healthcare services across Maharashtra. He was speaking at the Pulse Medical Conference 2026.

The two-day conference, being held at the Jio World Centre in Bandra-Kurla Complex, is aimed at positioning the medical sector on a global platform. The Chief Minister described the event as a significant forum that will help shape the state’s healthcare policy and system by bringing together innovation, policy, and practice.

Highlighting the government’s commitment, Fadnavis said that ensuring access to quality healthcare for every citizen is a top priority. Efforts are underway to make healthcare services available within an 8–10 km radius of people’s residences. He also emphasised the effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) in public healthcare to expand reach while maintaining quality standards.

The Chief Minister further stressed that the focus is not just on increasing the number of doctors but on producing capable professionals who can tackle future healthcare challenges. Strengthening district hospitals, taluka hospitals, and municipal healthcare institutions remains a key priority. The government is also working to enhance the overall ecosystem of medical education by improving the quality of postgraduate studies and increasing both undergraduate and postgraduate seats.

Under the vision of “Developed Maharashtra 2047,” Fadnavis said the healthcare sector will emerge not only as a social responsibility but also as a key driver of innovation, investment, and economic growth.

To improve monitoring of healthcare systems run by local bodies, a special institution will be established in Nagpur. Schemes such as the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Bharat are being strengthened to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to citizens.

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar said the conference would play a crucial role in strengthening digital healthcare, reducing the rural-urban gap, and positioning Maharashtra as a global wellness hub. She noted that cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur are emerging as major centres for medical tourism.

Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif said the state is transitioning from a treatment-focused model to a preventive and technology-driven healthcare system. Plans are in place to increase undergraduate medical seats from 4,850 to around 7,200 by 2035, and postgraduate seats from 2,119 to nearly 4,700 by 2030.

Minister of State Madhuri Misal described the conference as a roadmap for transformation in the healthcare sector. She highlighted initiatives such as integrating traditional and modern medical systems, expanding mental health counselling services, and establishing a “Maha Integrated Life Science City” in Raigad over 1,000 hectares.

The conference will also witness knowledge exchange through sessions, panel discussions, live surgical demonstrations, and research presentations, along with investment proposals and collaborations in healthcare, technology, and medical education.