‘Patient service is divine service; Serving the common people is the true religion’ – Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Thane : This government belongs to the common people, and for their good health, it operates on the principles of ‘Patient service is divine service, and serving the common people is the true religion.’ It will always continue to work for the common people, stated Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde here today.

On behalf of the Public Health Department, the announcement of setting up six Day-Care Chemotherapy Centers (in Thane, Solapur, Ahilyanagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nanded, and Wardha) was made, along with the inauguration of Cancer Mobile Vans-8, 102 Ambulances-384, CT Scans-2, Advanced Life Support Ambulances-7, and Digital Handheld X-ray Machines-80. The event was organized at the District Planning Bhavan auditorium, where he delivered his speech.

On this occasion, Union Minister of State for AYUSH and Health & Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of Public Health & Family Welfare Prakash Abitkar, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, Minister of State for Finance, Planning, Agriculture, Relief & Rehabilitation Adv. Ashish Jaiswal, Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council Neelam Gorhe, MLA Dr. Balaji Kinikar, MLA Vijay Shivtare, Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department Asim Kumar Gupta, CEO of the District Council Rohan Ghuge, Principal Secretary to the Deputy Chief Minister Navin Sona, Health Services Commissioner and Director of the National Health Mission Mumbai Amgothu Sri Ranga Nayak, Director of Health Services Dr. Nitin Ambadekar, Director of the National Urban Health Mission Dr. Swapnil Lale, renowned actor and former MP Govinda, and other dignitaries were present.

While expressing his thoughts, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Shinde stated that he has always worked with the belief that “Serving the common people is the true religion.” He recently inaugurated a high-quality rest house for ST drivers and conductors at the Khopat Bus Depot. Additionally, he announced the concept of “Cashless Hospitals at every ST Depot” across the state. The Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray “Apala Davakhana” (Our Hospital) is operational in over 700 locations in the state. Women pay full attention to their families’ health but often neglect their own. The newly inaugurated mobile health check-up service will facilitate health check-ups for women in every village. The government is committed to eliminating cancer.

During my two-and-a-half-year tenure as Chief Minister, I was able to save the lives of nearly 51,000 patients through the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell. We provided financial aid of ₹460 crore to needy patients, and there is no greater satisfaction than this,” Mr. Shinde said, adding that this government is for the common people. Bringing positive changes to their lives is the government’s goal. Several schemes have been implemented for all sections of society, and stalled projects have been expedited. This government will continue to work with the same enthusiasm. He also announced the upcoming launch of the “Deputy Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell.”

Health Minister Mr. Prakash Abitkar and his team have efficiently led the health department’s work, taking a pledge to conduct free health check-ups for nearly 2 crore women. Extending his best wishes for this initiative, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Shinde further said that under the Mahatma Phule Health Scheme, earlier assistance was limited to ₹1.5 lakh, but now this government has increased it to ₹5 lakh for everyone. The government is committed to working proactively even for people in remote areas.

If diseases like cancer, TB, and heart ailments are detected early, they can be treated effectively. This health check-up initiative will certainly benefit common citizens. Believing in the principle of “Patient service is divine service,” the Shrikant Shinde Foundation has helped many needy patients. Over the past eight years, 5,500 children with congenital heart defects have undergone free surgeries, which is a true act of virtue. Mr. Shinde further emphasized that public representatives and administrative officers are two crucial pillars of governance. They must work together for the welfare of the people. Because of the excellent work of administrative officers, the government has successfully implemented public welfare schemes. One such highly successful initiative is “Government at Your Doorstep,” which has benefited 5 crore people across the state. This government is dynamic and people-oriented, and it will continue to work in the same manner, he concluded.

Health Minister Mr. Prakash Abitkar, in his speech, extended birthday greetings to Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Eknath Shinde and stated that politicians should work for the common people, and Mr. Shinde’s work is a testament to this. Through the Public Health Department’s initiative, health check-ups for 2 crore women in the state have commenced, including blood tests, hemoglobin, diabetes, blood pressure, and other necessary screenings, diagnosis, and treatment. This initiative is dedicated to the women of Maharashtra.

On this occasion, Union Minister of State for AYUSH Mr. Prataprao Jadhav announced the establishment of a Naturopathy and Wellness Center and a National Herbal Garden in Dare village, Satara district, with a budget of ₹70 crore under the AYUSH Ministry. Additionally, the “Har Ghar Ayurveda” (Ayurveda in Every Home) initiative was launched to raise awareness about Ayurveda among all Indians.

District Council’s Initiative: Launch of the “Maika” App

For mental well-being, the “Maika” app, which offers counseling services, was launched by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Eknath Shinde in the presence of other dignitaries. This app can be used by people of all age groups and is available for download on the Google Play Store, informed District Council CEO Mr. Rohan Ghuge.

Felicitation of Doctors & Distribution of TB Food Baskets

During this event, oncologists who have done exceptional work for cancer patients, doctors excelling in the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program, and expert dentists were honored by the dignitaries. Additionally, under the TB-Free India campaign, “Nikshay Mitra” food baskets were distributed to the relatives of TB patients.

The program was hosted by renowned anchor Mrunmayee Bhajk, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Deputy Director of Health Dr. Ashok Nandapurkar. The event concluded with the national anthem.

A large number of medical officers, staff, and women were present at the event.

Highlights of the Public Health Department’s Initiative

• Health Check-ups for 2 Crore Women: The program includes blood tests, hemoglobin, diabetes, blood pressure, and necessary screenings, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Cancer Van Launch in 8 Locations: The launch events will take place in Akola, Aurangabad, Latur, Kolhapur, Thane, Nagpur, Nashik, and Pune. These vans will provide Preventive Oncology counseling, diagnosis, and biopsy facilities while raising cancer awareness.
• Advanced Life Support (ALS) Ambulances: Seven newly purchased ALS ambulances will be deployed in various hospitals, including sub-district hospitals in Gadchiroli, Kurkheda, Warora, and Indapur.
• Establishment of Cancer Day-Care Chemotherapy Centers: Such centers are already operational in nine districts, including Akola, Nashik, Amravati, Satara, Pune, Gadchiroli, Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, and Beed. Now, six more will be set up.
• CT Scan Facilities: New CT scan facilities were inaugurated in sub-district hospitals at Vaijapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Dahanu.
• Digital Handheld X-Ray Machines: 80 machines were distributed across 34 rural districts, 22 municipal corporations, and 24 wards of Mumbai under the 15th Finance Commission.
• 102 Ambulance Scheme Expansion: 384 new ambulances have been introduced for transporting pregnant women and newborns to hospitals.