Pune: Out of the sanctioned 91 Aapla Dawakhana clinics for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, only 15 have become operational so far.
Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Dr Neelam Gorhe has issued firm instructions for the remaining clinics to be opened without delay.
Reviewing the implementation and funding status of the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana initiative via video conference, Dr. Gorhe urged health officials to expedite processes, particularly in urban areas where access to primary healthcare remains a challenge for the underprivileged.
The review meeting was attended by key officials including Dr. Swanil Nale from the Health Department, District Surgeon Dr. Nagnath Yampalle, Pune Municipal Corporation Assistant Health Officer Dr. Manisha Naik, and Assistant Director Dr. Deepti Deshmukh.
Dr. Gorhe emphasised the need for immediate submission of proposals to allow the utilisation of allocated rental funds for clinics set up on government-owned premises.
These funds may be used for repairs, infrastructure upgrades, purchasing medical equipment, and supplementing medicine supplies. She stressed that operations must begin immediately even as approvals are pending, to ensure no delays in healthcare services.
Aapla Dawakhana Strengthening Public Healthcare Accessibility
To improve patient convenience and facility readiness, Dr. Gorhe instructed that clinics be equipped with generators, mosquito nets, and essential devices.
She also directed officials to carefully select clinic sites in slum areas to avoid monsoon-related waterlogging, and suggested that infrastructure work in such locations be undertaken using the District Annual Plan budget.
The initiative aims to strengthen public healthcare accessibility, particularly for economically disadvantaged citizens in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, under the state-wide Aapla Dawakhana scheme.
