PMC to Set Up 10 More Healthcare Facilities

Reportedly, these polyclinics will complement other civic health facilities including out-patient departments (OPD) and primary healthcare centres. Further, several healthcare experts and specialists will be available at these centres for treatments.

Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has planned to set up 10 new polyclinics across the city under the “Aapla Dawakhana Yojana’’. These facilities will also provide medical services in merged areas.

Reportedly, these polyclinics will complement other civic health facilities including out-patient departments (OPD) and primary healthcare centres. Further, several healthcare experts and specialists will be available at these centres for treatments.

Maharashtra’s Aapla Dawakhana Yojana is a key healthcare scheme aimed at providing free medical treatment to citizens. This initiative aligns with the government’s aim to improve healthcare services in the state. Further, the state public health department is the nodal office for this scheme.

The idea behind this initiative is to create a clinic that is near and accessible as the first place for treatment for citizens. In the Pune district, 12 ‘Aapla Davakhanas’ or health clinics were set to start as part of this initiative. These health clinics are equipped with an outpatient department (OPD), free medicine, free laboratory testing, a check-up facility for pregnant women, vaccination, an eye-checking facility, special referral service (specialist doctors), and a counselling centre for mental health-related issues.

The clinics were virtually inaugurated on May 13. Of the 12 health clinics, 10 are located in Pune rural and one each in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).

Owing to its success, the state government extended the project to the whole of Maharashtra in 2023-2024. Moreover, it plans to set up 700 more clinics across the state.

In the past, the PMC has implemented various healthcare initiatives. These include the Urban Poor Health Scheme, immunisation for roadside beggar children, health initiatives for construction workers, urban health and nutrition days, and heat stroke-related measures.

PMC also offers infectious disease control, insect control, spraying and fogging insecticides, stray dog squad van/details, and veterinary section-related services.

In similar developments, recently, AIIMS Bhubaneswar started its first-ever travel health clinic. The special clinic runs twice a week and provides imminent travellers with essential vaccination services including some country-specific vaccines such as the yellow fever vaccine, and healthy behaviour travel guidelines among others.

Further, in October, Pune’s Ruby Hall Clinic partnered with Central Railway to open a 24x7 emergency medical room. The emergency room has a doctor's consultation room and bed for patients. Further, a qualified doctor is also available round the clock to handle medical emergencies.

Additionally, a pharmacy was launched to provide basic and essential medicines for immediate medical assistance to passengers facing any health concerns during their journey.