Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar on Monday directed officials to submit a proposal for framing a Health Policy and issued various instructions aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery and administration. The minister instructed officials to follow up on the Women and Child Welfare Department’s Government resolution to include staff from the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana in relevant operations. He emphasised maintaining transparency in the transfer process of medical officers. Administrative transfers of officers who have completed more than eight years in service should be conducted through consultation, followed by voluntary transfers, a Health Department release stated. The Minister also approved an increase in incentives for Medical Assistance Cell staff and hiked compensation for ASHA workers from Rs 5 to Rs 20 per Ayushman Bharat card issued.

 

Additionally, he called for establishing medical assistance centres in Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Mumbai, and directed the formulation of a 150-day action plan for the Health Department. A rural sanitation and health campaign is also on the cards. In a move to support healthcare workers in underserved regions, the minister directed the provision of special facilities for doctors posted in tribal and remote areas. Proposals for these facilities, along with supplementary budget demands for the fiscal year 2025, are to be submitted promptly. As part of a broader healthcare push, 17 Cancer Day Care Centres, as announced in the Union Budget, will be set up.