05 October,2023 09:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Eknath Shinde/ File Photo/PTI
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has instructed district collectors across the state to conduct visits to medical colleges, government hospitals, civic body-run hospitals, and primary health care centres in their respective districts. They are to provide status reports based on their visits, stated a report in PTI.
During a video conference with district collectors in Delhi, Shinde emphasized that the state government has established a committee to investigate recent deaths in government hospitals in Nanded and Aurangabad. He assured that strict action would be taken against those found responsible for the deaths.
According to the report, Shinde expressed that issues such as medicine shortages and manpower deficits would not be tolerated and instructed officials to take appropriate action.
The Maharashtra government has faced significant criticism following multiple patient deaths in government-run hospitals in Nanded and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) within a short period. These incidents have raised concerns about the state's healthcare infrastructure and services.
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Specifically, 31 patients, including infants, died at the Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital in Nanded over 48 hours starting from September 30. Additionally, 18 patients lost their lives at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar between October 2 and 3.
Shinde also urged district collectors to make regular visits to hospitals in their districts as part of the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare services. He stressed that health is a top priority for the government, and measures are being taken to strengthen the health infrastructure in both the short and long term. Shinde assured that there will be no shortage of funds for this purpose.
In situations where there is a shortage of healthcare manpower, the Chief Minister suggested that it can be outsourced at the district level to address the immediate needs.
This directive from the Chief Minister comes as the government faces scrutiny and public outcry over the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in the state, particularly in government-run facilities.
Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole had previously demanded a murder case be registered against the government. The state unit of the grand old party on Thursday wrote to Governor Ramesh Bais and stated that the Shinde government has failed on all fronts, including health services. They demanded a special legislative session to discuss the same.
