Aundh District Hospital to Expand through PPP Model: Land Details Requested
Despite facing opposition from health activists and political parties, the public health department has embarked on the journey of enhancing Aundh District Hospital (ADH) facilities under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The plan to expand ADH through the PPP model was officially announced by Health Minister Tanaji Sawant a month ago. Now, the wheels are in motion as the Maharashtra government has directed Dheeraj Kumar, the Health Commissioner of Maharashtra, to provide land details for the ADH campus.
AB More, Secretary of the Maharashtra government, has formally requested the Health Commissioner to furnish the land particulars. This includes the total area encompassing ADH and Euro Hospital (located within the ADH campus), along with the survey number of the land. Additionally, they are required to provide a comprehensive map of the sprawling 85-acre campus.
In this endeavor, they are also tasked with sharing specifics about land occupied by other institutions within the ADH campus. Details about encroachments on the land, including the extent of encroached area, are to be included. Furthermore, the total area of vacant land, excluding encroachments and existing structures, is to be outlined with priority.
Dr. Nagnath Yempalay, District Civil Surgeon, confirmed the reception of the letter and the initiation of the information-gathering process. He mentioned that the records in question are old, which necessitates meticulous attention to detail. Dr. Yempalay clarified that while there are no encroachments within the hospital premises, a portion of the hospital’s land has been utilized for road expansion.
However, Deepak Jadhav, a health activist representing the Patient Rights Campaign, voiced his reservations. He conveyed opposition to the decision of upgrading facilities through the PPP model, advocating instead for government-led facility expansion. He indicated plans for a protest against the proposed move.
According to officials, the PPP model envisions an increased capacity of ADH hospital to accommodate 1,500 beds. Additionally, the expansion plans include a 300-bed mental hospital, a 300-bed cancer hospital, and the establishment of a nursing college. A lodging facility catering to patient guests will also be developed on-site. In exchange for these improvements, private developers will be granted the remaining land for their own projects.
