The Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana scheme is set for further expansion to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to citizens. At present, 604 Aapla Dawakhana clinics are operational across Maharashtra, and the remaining 96 clinics will be launched by the end of January, Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar informed the Legislative Council.
The issue was raised during Question Hour by MLC Pravin Darekar. The state government has proposed a total of 700 Aapla Dawakhana clinics under the scheme. In addition, 2,232 Urban Health Promotion Centres are being established using funds from the 15th Finance Commission. Of these, 1,643 urban health centres have already become functional.
Abitkar said the functioning of Aapla Dawakhana clinics is being monitored by district civil surgeons and district health officers. He also informed the House that a proposal for the appointment of pharmacists at these clinics has been sent to the Central Government.
Over 200 health centres lying unused
During the discussion, MLC Parinay Phuke highlighted that more than 200 newly constructed health sub-centres across the state remain non-functional despite being fully built at a cost of several crores of rupees. He said the centres lack basic facilities such as furniture, electricity connections, essential equipment and staff.
Phuke also pointed out shortages of essential medicines, forcing patients to buy drugs from private medical stores. He urged the government to ensure immediate procurement of medicines, strengthen supply chains, allow temporary local-level purchases, and maintain a steady stock of essential drugs.
Several members, including Abhijeet Wanjarri, Sachin Ahir, Prasad Lad, Parinay Phuke, Niranjan Davkhare, Ranjitsinh Mohite, Rajhans Singh, Shashikant Shinde, Uma Khapre and Manisha Kayande, participated in the discussion.
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