State Government Committed to Building a Holistically Healthy Maharashtra – Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Foundation Stone Laid for State Family Welfare Building and Training Centre

Pune : A healthy citizen is the foundation of a prosperous state, and the Maharashtra government is fully committed to enhancing the quality of healthcare services and building a holistically healthy Maharashtra, assured Deputy Chief Minister and Pune District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawa

He was speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the State Family Welfare Building and Training Centre, held at the Family Welfare Bhavan. The event also marked the inauguration of 43 new Aapla Dawakhana clinics under the “Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana” initiative. Also present were Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar, Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council Dr. Neelam Gorhe, State Health Services Commissioner and NHM Managing Director Amgothu Sriranga Nayak, along with various health department officials and staff.

Deputy CM Pawar expressed confidence that the newly established Family Welfare Building and the 43 new clinics would significantly strengthen, streamline, and accelerate healthcare delivery across the state. Referring to the tragic incident at Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital, where a pregnant woman reportedly died due to delayed treatment, he assured that an inquiry is underway and strict action will be taken against those found guilty. He added that to prevent such incidents in the future, the state government will soon implement a new policy across all hospitals, ensuring no patient is denied essential healthcare. Under this upcoming “No Denial Policy,” every citizen—regardless of financial status—will receive timely medical help. The government is committed to providing land and infrastructure support to hospitals for this purpose.

On the occasion of World Malaria Day, Deputy CM Pawar congratulated health officers and staff for their commendable work. He encouraged all citizens, along with officials and staff, to exercise regularly, maintain a balanced diet, and prioritize mental well-being. He emphasized that a healthy citizenry is essential for the state’s development and that everyone must work together to deliver quality healthcare to the public.

Health Minister Prakash Abitkar noted that Pune is the second-most important center for healthcare in the state, housing many state-level offices of the Health Department. The upcoming Family Welfare Building will bring various branches under one roof, improving administrative efficiency and service delivery.

The modern facility will feature a training hall, video conferencing hall, record rooms, parking space, and other essential infrastructure—all to be completed within the scheduled time frame. Of the 43 clinics inaugurated, seven are located within Pune city. These clinics are expected to enhance access to quality healthcare services, especially for underprivileged communities living in urban slums, said Minister Abitkar.

Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe emphasized the critical role of the Public Health Department in society. She praised the department’s successful implementation of several key health missions and its outreach in rural and remote areas. She expressed confidence that the department would continue to provide high-quality healthcare services in the future.

At the start of the event, tributes were paid to the innocent victims of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. After the program, Health Minister Abitkar flagged off a rally organized to mark World Malaria Day.

Health Minister Announces Launch of Mechanical Laundry and Molecular Diagnostic Lab

Recognizing the importance of hospital hygiene, food safety, and cleanliness of garments used in hospitals, Minister Abitkar announced that mechanical laundry service centers will soon be set up in 593 health institutions across 8 state divisions. He also announced plans to establish a molecular diagnostic laboratory at the State Public Health Laboratory in Pune. This facility will enhance rapid bacterial and viral testing during infectious disease outbreaks.