Pune: State Government Plans Cancer Hospital in the City Amid Rising Patient Numbers
In a significant move to address the growing number of cancer patients, the Maharashtra State Government has announced plans to establish a dedicated cancer hospital in Pune. Minister of State for Medical Education, Madhuri Misal, revealed the details during the Legislative Assembly session on Thursday.
A request for land has been submitted to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited (MSRDC) for the proposed facility. Sassoon Hospital has been identified as a suitable location for the new cancer hospital.
Misal also addressed staffing issues at Sassoon Sarvoopchar Government Hospital, stating that out of 2,350 approved posts, 769 remain vacant, including 156 nursing positions and 50% of class four posts. Recruitment for these vacancies, managed by TCS with the District Collector’s permission, is set to begin within the next eight days. Immediate steps will be taken to fill 44 class one and 110 class two posts.
Sassoon Hospital, the only major healthcare facility in western Maharashtra, caters to patients from Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and across the state. It handles approximately 5.5 lakh outpatients and 60,000 admissions annually, facing immense pressure due to high patient volumes.
To address medication shortages, Misal confirmed the recent purchase of medicines worth Rs 12.94 crore and new equipment. A request has also been made to the District Planning Committee for additional medicine procurement to meet rising demand.
