The Chinchwad MLA Shankar Jagtap has demanded the establishment of an advanced super specialty hospital on the premises of Aundh District Hospital during the legislative assembly session. While discussing the budgetary allocations for public health, medical education, and the tribal department for the financial year 2025-26, he pointed out that only 66% of the allocated funds had been utilized. He emphasized the need to invest more in medical infrastructure.
MLA Jagtap has urged the government to take immediate steps to regulate the prices of surgical equipment and curb such exploitative practices. Due to the growing population, the public healthcare system in the Aundh-Sangvi area is under immense pressure.
Additionally, as per Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policy, an advanced super specialty hospital should be constructed on the hospital premises, modeled after AIIMS hospitals.
MLA Shankar Jagtap has urged the government to approve this proposal and allocate the required funds immediately. All registered hospitals in the state must adhere to the 'Bombay Nursing Act' by providing clear information about inspections and service charges. Strict penalties should be imposed on hospitals failing to comply, and their registration should be temporarily suspended if necessary, he added.
MLA Shankar Jagtap also demanded to curb the sale of counterfeit medicines. A recent investigation by the Central Drug Quality Control Board found that 53 medicines were substandard.
NABL-certified laboratories testing for medicines
The sale of counterfeit and poor-quality medicines poses a serious risk to patients' health. To address this issue, the state should implement an 'E-Pharmacy System' to monitor drug stock and quality. Additionally, all medicines should undergo mandatory testing in NABL-certified laboratories, as demanded in the legislative assembly.
Currently, a significant number of medical officer and paramedical staff positions remain vacant in medical colleges and hospitals. MLA Jagtap urged the government to expedite the recruitment process to strengthen the public healthcare system.
Jagtap also pointed out that the 40-year-old, structurally weak water tank in Aundh District Hospital premises should be demolished, and a high-capacity water reservoir should be constructed. The Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) has proposed a budget of ₹228.48 lakh for this project, and MLA Jagtap has called for immediate approval and implementation.
