Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar on Monday issued a series of directives aimed at enhancing the state’s healthcare delivery and administration. Chairing a meeting with senior officials, including Health Secretary Nipun Vinayak, the minister directed the submission of a proposal to frame a comprehensive Health Policy.
Abitkar emphasized transparency in the transfer process of medical officers. Administrative transfers of officers with over eight years of service are to be done through consultation, followed by voluntary transfers. Officers in the S-23 pay scale will be assessed based on performance for transfers. Inter-district transfers of Community Health Officers are to be completed by May 31, prioritising district preferences first.
He instructed the inclusion of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana staff in relevant operations under the Women and Child Welfare Department’s resolution. He also called for amendments to service rules to promote Nursing Tutors to Nursing Superintendents, introducing a 150-day training program.
The minister directed a proposal to induct National Health Mission contract employees into government service and to increase their honorarium. To fill vacancies of Class I medical officers, he ordered fast-tracked recruitment via the Maharashtra Public Service Commission.
Abitkar approved increased incentives for Medical Assistance Cell staff and hiked ASHA workers’ compensation from ₹5 to ₹20 per Ayushman Bharat card. Legal firms will be appointed to amend the Bombay Nursing Home Act, with the revised bill expected in the monsoon session.
Medical assistance centres will be established in Mumbai, Kolhapur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. A 150-day action plan for the Health Department and a rural sanitation and health campaign are also in the pipeline. Special provisions will be made for healthcare staff in tribal and remote areas
Seventeen Cancer Day Care Centres, as per Union Budget announcements, will be set up. Campaigns for TB-Free Panchayats and Tobacco-Free Schools are also planned. A ₹44 crore supplementary budget demand will support the creation of a new virology lab.
For the PM MedCity initiative, land near airports in Kolhapur or Pune is being considered. All supplementary demands for FY 2025 must be submitted to the Finance Department by May 31.