In a major push to strengthen Maharashtra’s public health system, the state government has cleared a ₹3,708 crore initiative aimed at upgrading medical education, nursing services, and tertiary healthcare delivery. The project, backed by financial assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, focuses on improving infrastructure, expanding access to modern equipment, and ensuring the availability of skilled healthcare professionals across the state. The decision was finalised during a cabinet meeting held at Mantralaya in Mumbai on April 13, under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis, marking a significant step towards enhancing affordable and quality healthcare services for citizens.
The initiative will support newly established government medical colleges in Wardha, Palghar, Ratnagiri, and Ahilyanagar, while also upgrading nursing institutions in cities such as Mumbai, Dhule, Solapur, Ambajogai, Akola, Nagpur, Ratnagiri, Palghar, and Dharashiv. Additionally, new nursing colleges will be set up in Baramati, Sangli (Miraj), and Kolhapur. Several government medical colleges across districts, including Mumbai, Nashik, Satara, and Gadchiroli, will receive advanced medical equipment. The project also emphasises human resource development and hospital administration training through the Indo-Japan Academic Exchange Programme, ensuring improved efficiency and better healthcare delivery systems statewide.
In another key development, the state cabinet approved a proposal allowing the Indian Education Society to establish the IES Skill Tech University in Mumbai, aimed at boosting industry-relevant education and skill development. Alongside this, a comprehensive recruitment reform plan aligned with the “Viksit Maharashtra 2047” vision was also cleared. The number of cadres under the Maharashtra Public Service Commission will be expanded to 102, including 18 new services and 93 additional cadres. The government has also decided to largely remove the mandatory prior work experience requirement for direct recruitment, offering greater opportunities for fresh graduates entering the workforce.