Participation of Medical Professionals Crucial to Strengthen Rural Healthcare: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized that the participation of registered medical professionals is essential to strengthen healthcare services in rural areas. He directed the Maharashtra Medical Council to award credit points to medical professionals who voluntarily serve in rural areas, as part of the Continuous Medical Education (CME) program required for license renewal.

Under the current system, registered medical professionals in Maharashtra receive credit points through CME to renew their medical licenses every five years. These credit points are typically earned by attending various professional conferences to stay updated with the latest developments in the field. However, acting on CM Fadnavis’ directives, the Maharashtra Medical Council has implemented key reforms in the CME system to also recognize voluntary rural service. Medical professionals can now earn credit points by participating in free medical camps, surgeries, and other community healthcare initiatives in rural regions—without receiving any compensation.

Highlighting the urgent need, CM Fadnavis noted that many residents in rural areas are unable to access adequate healthcare due to financial constraints. By encouraging doctors to serve voluntarily in these areas, quality treatment can become accessible to all. This initiative will also allow young doctors to better understand rural health challenges and enable urban-based doctors to scientifically study and address healthcare issues specific to these regions.

As per the new guidelines, medical professionals who work in rural medical or surgical camps for three hours will receive one credit point, while six hours of service will earn them two points. These points will count toward license renewal.

Currently, there are approximately two lakh registered medical professionals in the state. Nearly 4,500 hospitals—including 3,800 under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, 550 charitable hospitals, and several government medical colleges—are involved in this initiative. So far, around 9,500 health camps have been organized across rural Maharashtra in coordination with the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund cell, Charity Commissioner, and the National Health Mission. Around 50% of registered medical professionals participate in these camps, thereby significantly enhancing access to specialized healthcare in underserved regions.

This policy marks a major step in achieving CM Devendra Fadnavis’ vision of equitable and strengthened rural healthcare services in Maharashtra.