Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar Visits Pune, Reviews Govt Hospitals | FPJ Photo
Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar visited the Regional Mental Hospital (RMH) in Pune’s Yerawada on Friday. While speaking to the reporters, he announced plans to upgrade the RMH on the lines of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru.
“The plan includes developing infrastructure and establishing advanced treatment facilities apart from setting up a postgraduate institute at the hospital which will provide specialised doctors and staff, boosting mental healthcare facilities at the hospital,” Abitkar said.
₹132 crore for mental hospitals
Stating that the government is sensitive towards mental health issues, he said that there are four mental hospitals in the state and a proposal of ₹132 crore has been prepared for their development. Out of this, ₹10 crore will be allocated to RMH.
Abitkar also visited Aundh District Hospital where he reviewed the existing facilities. He visited the female and male wards and the new modular kitchen, enquiring about the food quality.
Regarding the shortage of staff at public hospitals, Abitkar said that permanent staff will be appointed and temporary staff will be outsourced to meet the shortage of staff at hospitals.
During the press conference, various other issues were discussed, including the ineffective implementation of the Nursing Home Act in the state due to staff shortages.
