Pune, October 2, 2023: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), which holds properties valued at Rs 37,000 crores within the city, is embarking on a unique initiative to accommodate state and central government healthcare clinics. Faced with limited space for establishing the state government’s “Aapla Dawakhana” and the central government’s “Arogyavardhini Kendra,” these clinics will soon find their home in innovative “fiber containers.”
As part of the Smart City Clinic initiative, a few such clinics have already been established in select areas. The central government has given the green light for up to 125 health promotion centers to be operated by the municipal corporation. Simultaneously, the state government has sanctioned 58 “Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana” facilities, each staffed with doctors and trained medical personnel, with expenses covered by both central and state governments. The municipal corporation’s responsibility primarily involves providing physical infrastructure, including buildings, water, toilets, drainage, and electricity.
To expedite the process and circumvent delays related to site selection, the administration plans to launch 58 container clinics in the initial phase. These readily available containers require minimal construction work and will be strategically placed in open spaces within the municipal corporation’s jurisdiction.
The Pune Municipal Corporation faces challenges due to land disputes involving local councillors and community temples. Lands allocated for these temples through development plans often end up in the hands of people’s representatives. The municipality’s need for space to provide patient care has been met with opposition when attempting to repurpose these sites. In response to these disputes, the administration has opted for the practical solution of using fiber containers.
Pune’s healthcare infrastructure aims to establish one municipal hospital for every 30,000 citizens. Currently, the city boasts 72 medical treatment centers, including 19 health centers and various clinics that primarily serve economically disadvantaged individuals. The central government’s approval for 125 additional health centers was granted, though 71 of them remain unallocated. Additionally, seat assignments for the 58 “Aapla Dawakhanas” from the state government have encountered challenges, with some seats even being canceled due to pressure.
The PMC’s innovative approach to healthcare infrastructure highlights its commitment to providing accessible and efficient medical services to the city’s residents, even in the face of spatial constraints and administrative challenges.
