Pune: Ajit Pawar Announces ‘No Denial Policy’ for Hospitals After Tragic Death, Time-Bound Development Plan
In a crucial District Planning Committee meeting held at Pune Vidhan Bhavan on Friday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced a slew of developmental and policy decisions aimed at addressing urgent issues across the Pune district and the state.
A time-bound development program has been initiated to open up water sources and reservoirs in the district. The meeting stressed the timely desilting of lakes and reservoirs, directing that these works must be approved by May 31 and completed by December-end. Public representatives have been asked to submit details of proposed development works by May 15. The concerned departments are expected to ensure the execution of works with high quality and efficiency.
Special emphasis was also placed on safety measures at forts and tourist destinations, making them more secure for visitors. Pawar instructed officials to fast-track the Pune Model School initiative, which involves developing one central school per taluka with enhanced infrastructure and focus on improving educational quality.
He also highlighted that clean drinking water must be made available to citizens across the district, and equal distribution of funds across all talukas must be ensured. The administration was asked to consider public suggestions and complaints seriously and act in consultation with citizens.
On the healthcare front, Pawar issued strong directives to make adequate medicines available in all hospitals and declared that charitable hospitals must not demand deposits from patients. He warned of strict action against hospitals violating these rules.
In a significant move to improve access to emergency healthcare, Ajit Pawar announced that the Maharashtra government will soon implement a ‘No Denial Policy’ in all private hospitals across the state. This policy will ensure that no needy patient is denied emergency medical treatment.
This decision follows the tragic death of a pregnant woman who was reportedly denied admission at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital last month. Pawar described the incident as “heart-wrenching” and said it had deeply affected the conscience of society.
“The state government has taken serious cognisance of the matter. A probe has been launched, and we have received preliminary reports. Strict action will be taken against those found guilty,” said Pawar. He added that the upcoming policy is meant to prevent such tragic incidents from recurring.
The meeting was attended by Minister Prakash Abitkar, deputy chairperson of the Legislative Council Dr. Neelam Gorhe, Commissioner of Health Services and NHM Mission Director A.S. Ranga Nayak, and other senior officials.
