Opposition Mounts Against Outsourcing of Healthcare Services to Private Firms
Residents of Dhayari in Pune are up in arms against the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)’s plan to privatise the Late Murlidhar Pandurang Laigude Dispensary, citing concerns over the accessibility and quality of healthcare services.
The decision to outsource the underutilised hospital on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis for a period of 28 years has sparked outrage among locals and political leaders alike.
The PMC’s proposal entails entrusting the operation of a 50-bed general hospital, complete with an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), to a private firm. While the move aims to enhance healthcare infrastructure, residents argue that it reflects PMC’s failure to provide essential services to taxpayers.
Vocal opponents like Vittal Gaikwad and Sampat Badgujar assert that PMC should prioritize bolstering in-house medical facilities rather than resorting to outsourcing. They highlight the neglect faced by the Laigude hospital post-pandemic, emphasizing the urgent need for improved healthcare accessibility.
Shiv Sena leader Mahesh Pokale echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the hospital’s significance as a healthcare lifeline for over five lakh residents in the Khadakwasla assembly area. He underscores the absence of government hospitals in the vicinity and calls for the cancellation of the privatisation decision.
Dr Bhagwan Pawar, PMC’s health officer, acknowledges the opposition and assures that residents’ concerns will be brought before the municipal commissioner for consideration. However, he clarifies that no final decision has been made regarding the fate of the Laigude hospital.
