Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The women and neonatal hospital being constructed on the dairy land was expected to be operational by March, as announced by public health minister Prakash Abitkar during his visit to the city in December. However, even after March has passed, the hospital remains stalled, awaiting completion of various works, equipment installation, and staff appointments. Attention is now on what new deadline the minister will set and when the hospital will finally begin functioning.
Under the ‘Majha Gaav, Arogya Sampanna Gaav’ initiative, a divisional workshop for officers and staff will be held on April 9 from 10 am to 5 pm at the Manthan Hall, MIT College. The workshop will be inaugurated by public health minister Prakash Abitkar.
The 400-bed hospital requires 360 staff positions. However, despite the project nearing completion, these posts have not yet been created. Initially planned with a budget of Rs 111.89 crore, the project later included an MCH (Maternal and Child Health) wing, leading to additional electrical and lift-related works. As a result, the cost has escalated to Rs 189.60 crore. An additional Rs 60 crore is now required to complete the remaining work. According to deputy director of health Dr Kanchan Wanere, around 95% of the construction is complete.
Only 8 patients receive chemotherapy in four months
During his visit to the city on December 6, 2025, minister Prakash Abitkar directly visited the civil hospital at 1 am. He reprimanded health officials over several issues, including unclean bed sheets and a non-functional chemotherapy centre. Following this, the chemotherapy centre was started. However, in the past four months, only eight cancer patients have received chemotherapy here. Efforts are reportedly being made to increase patient numbers. Ahead of the minister’s visit, increased attention to cleanliness and precautionary measures was observed at the district hospital on Wednesday.