Pune witnessed a momentous occasion as Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar inaugurated the 11-storey building at Sassoon General Hospital, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing healthcare infrastructure. The event, attended by prominent figures in the medical and political spheres, also saw the announcement of a proposal to increase the remuneration of contract doctors.
The inauguration ceremony included the presence of Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif, State Commission for Women Chairperson Rupali Chakankar, MP Sunil Tatkare, MLA Sunil Kamble, and other distinguished guests.
During his address, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar acknowledged the invaluable contributions of medical officers, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pawar expressed the government’s dedication to enhancing health facilities for the common populace and outlined plans for the proposed increase in doctors’ remuneration.
The newly inaugurated 11-storey building, equipped with modern facilities, is a significant step toward meeting the growing needs of Sassoon Hospital. Despite financial constraints, Pawar emphasized the importance of providing state-of-the-art facilities at Sassoon Hospital, considering its crucial role in serving the general population.
The construction of the building, repurposed during the pandemic for COVID-19 patient treatment, reflects the government’s responsiveness to evolving healthcare demands. Pawar announced plans to discuss the expansion of Sassoon Hospital with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to ensure its continued growth.
Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif highlighted Sassoon Hospital’s commendable patient care during various crises and disclosed an investment of Rs 183 crores in the new hospital building. The facility is expected to offer up-to-date treatment options, with additional funding from corporate social responsibility, including contributions from Tata Trust, Fazlani Trust, and Punjab National Bank.
The hospital’s new features include a mortuary center with a capacity to preserve 140 bodies in cold storage and 30 years of records. The upgraded facilities also cater to the transgender community, with the establishment of a separate ward.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawar inaugurated the new building, a modern mortuary, Petscan for cancer diagnosis, and a renovated college ground. The event garnered praise from Vidhan Parishad Deputy Speaker Dr. Neelam Gorhe and Chandni Gore, the representative of the transgender community.
