Maharashtra’s Public Health and Family Welfare Minister, Prakash Abitkar, announced the approval of 5,000 new positions in the public health department to address staff shortages in state medical facilities. The recruitment process is set to be expedited this week. In a move coinciding with National Doctors’ Day, 1,400 doctors will receive appointment orders immediately, with an additional 600 doctors to follow soon.
Following directives from the High Court, 1,900 Community Health Officer (CHO) positions will also be filled promptly. Minister Abitkar emphasized that these new approvals and doctor appointments will enhance the manpower, medical equipment, and essential facilities in all state hospitals. Responding to queries, he assured that pending funds for sub-district hospitals will be released within a week.
The state government has prioritized completing pending construction projects, allocating funds to hospitals based on their completion percentages. Additionally, outstanding dues for ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and other contractual employees who served during the pandemic will be settled promptly. Minister Abitkar also addressed issues related to third-party recruitment agencies, stating that strict actions will be taken against those violating rules.
Moreover, the minister announced plans to introduce a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for nursing colleges across Maharashtra to ensure discipline, regularity, and student safety. This initiative aims to prevent incidents like the alleged food poisoning case involving female students at a nursing school in Gondia. Minister Abitkar clarified that investigations revealed the illnesses were not due to food poisoning, and steps are being taken to ensure the safety of students.
In a separate announcement, Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore revealed that Gram Panchayat computer operators under the Aaple Sarkar Seva Kendra project will now receive their honorariums regularly. Minister Gore confirmed the distribution of honorariums up to March 2026 and assured that pending dues will be cleared soon. Responding to demands for permanent status, he mentioned ongoing evaluations of structural demands at the state level.
