In a significant move to enhance cancer care and public health services, the Maharashtra government will establish daycare chemotherapy centres in six cities, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Sunday, February 9. These centres will be set up in Thane, Solapur, Ahilyanagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nanded, and Wardha to ensure better accessibility to cancer treatment.
Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure
Alongside the chemotherapy centres, the state government will introduce eight cancer mobile vans, 102 ambulances, seven advanced life support (ALS) ambulances, two CT scan machines, and 80 digital handheld X-ray machines to provide critical healthcare services in underserved areas, Shinde stated.
Additionally, a comprehensive health check-up programme for two crore women across Maharashtra will be launched. The initiative will include tests for blood pressure, diabetes, haemoglobin, and other essential health parameters, with mobile health check-up units ensuring that even women in remote rural areas receive proper medical attention.
New Medical Assistance Cell and Emergency Services
Taking inspiration from the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell, which has helped 51,000 patients with financial aid of Rs 460 crore over the past two years, the government will now introduce a ‘Deputy Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell’ to further support healthcare needs.
As part of the expansion of emergency services, seven Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances will be deployed in Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Sindhudurg, Pune, Ratnagiri, and Raigad.
Mental Health and Traditional Medicine Initiatives
During the event, the ‘Mayaka’ app was launched to promote mental health and well-being. Union Minister of State for AYUSH Prataprav Jadhav also announced that a naturopathy and wellness centre, along with a herbal garden, will be established in Dare village of Satara district.