Why is Maharashtra's Health Minister Urging Immediate Submission of a Health Policy Proposal?
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Synopsis
Maharashtra's Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has called for an urgent proposal on the state's health policy to enhance public health services. Key areas of focus include integrating contractual employees and improving transparency in medical officer transfers. This initiative aims to create a more dynamic and accountable health system.
Key Takeaways
- Urgent proposal for Maharashtra's health policy enhancement.
- Focus on transparency in medical officer transfers.
- Inclusion of contractual workers in government roles.
- Launch of a Rural Cleanliness and Health Campaign.
- Establishment of medical help desks in Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Mumbai.
Mumbai, May 19 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Health Minister, Prakash Abitkar, convened a high-level meeting on Monday and urged the administration to swiftly present a proposal concerning the state's health policy. This initiative aims to enhance the public health department's efficiency, making it more people-centric and transparent.
During the meeting, Minister Abitkar emphasized the importance of incorporating contractual workers from the National Health Mission into government roles and stressed the need for a prompt proposal to increase their honorarium.
He also instructed the administration to follow up on government directives from the Women and Child Welfare Department concerning the inclusion of employees under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana.
“Enhancing transparency in the transfer process of medical officers is crucial. Administrative transfers of medical officers with over eight years of service should be conducted through counseling, followed by transfer requests. Additionally, inter-district transfers for community health officers must be prioritized before May 31, ensuring they are assigned to convenient districts,” stated the minister.
To maximize the number of Class I medical officers, he called for immediate action to fill these vacancies in coordination with the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC).
Furthermore, he proposed appointing a legal firm to amend the Bombay Nursing Home Act and related laws, with the aim of presenting a bill during the upcoming monsoon session of the state legislature.
Abitkar also directed the preparation of a Cabinet proposal to offer an incentive allowance to medical help desk employees and to increase the payment for ASHA workers issuing Ayushman Bharat cards from Rs 5 to Rs 20.
He instructed the establishment of medical help desks in Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Mumbai.
The minister demanded that the Public Health Department devise a 150-day action plan and submit it by May 20, 2025. Moreover, he called for a detailed proposal for launching a Rural Cleanliness and Health Campaign in the state, initiating Cancer Day Care Centres as planned by the Central government, and promoting TB-free Panchayats and Tobacco-free Schools campaigns.
“A proposal should be drafted to provide special facilities for doctors working in tribal and remote regions. Additionally, a supplementary demand of Rs 44 crore for a new laboratory akin to the Central government's NIV should be submitted to the Finance Department by May 31. We also need to explore land availability in Kolhapur or Pune for the PM Medicity Program, considering the requisite 50 acres of land and accessibility to airports,” he concluded.
Finally, the department is expected to promptly submit a proposal to the finance department by May 31.
Point of View
Maharashtra's Health Minister's proactive approach in urging immediate policy proposals reflects a commitment to enhancing public health services. This initiative is expected to address longstanding issues and bring about significant improvements in healthcare delivery, showcasing a model that other states might consider emulating.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of the health policy proposal in Maharashtra?
The main focus is to make the public health department more dynamic, people-oriented, and transparent.
How will contractual employees benefit from this proposal?
The proposal includes incorporating contractual employees from the National Health Mission into government roles and increasing their honorarium.
What measures are being taken to ensure transparency in medical officer transfers?
The minister has proposed that administrative transfers for medical officers with over eight years of service be conducted through counseling, followed by transfer requests.
What is the significance of the 150-day action plan?
The 150-day action plan aims to outline immediate actions for enhancing public health services and is to be submitted by May 20, 2025.
What new initiatives are being launched as part of this proposal?
New initiatives include setting up medical help desks in key locations and launching campaigns for rural cleanliness and health.
