-By ArdorComm News Network
March 11, 2025
Maharashtra’s budget estimates for the health sector have dropped by 6.03% for the upcoming financial year, sparking concerns about the potential impact on healthcare services. The state has allocated ₹27,164.91 crore for 2024-25, down from the revised estimate of ₹28,906.92 crore in the previous year.
Despite the reduction, key flagship announcements include:
- Primary healthcare services promised within a five-km radius of every home.
- Time-bound distribution of Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana identity cards.
- Expansion of hospitals under Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MPJAY) as per demand.
However, the MPJAY budget remains stagnant at ₹650 crore for both 2024-25 and 2025-26, despite revised estimates reaching ₹1,687 crore in the previous financial year.
Key Budget Cuts & Concerns:
- Public Health Department: Urban health services saw a sharp decline, with hospitals and dispensaries’ budgets reduced from ₹6,098 crore to ₹4,709 crore.
- National Health Mission (NHM): Budget slashed from ₹3,805 crore to ₹2,860 crore.
- Medical Education: Allocation fell from ₹9,667 crore to ₹9,057 crore.
- HBT Clinics: Funding cut from ₹196.79 crore to ₹100 crore.
Health economist Dr. Ravi Duggal criticized the budget, stating that it signals a lack of expansion in public healthcare and fails to address critical needs like medicine supply improvements. He warned that urban health infrastructure will suffer due to the funding shortfall, while rural health services see only selective increases.
Upcoming Healthcare Developments:
Finance Minister Ajit Pawar announced plans for:
- A 200-bed referral hospital in Thane.
- A 100-bed referral hospital in Ratnagiri.
- A 200-bed super-specialty hospital in Raigad.
- A forthcoming state health and senior citizens policy.
As Maharashtra moves forward with these initiatives, experts remain concerned that budget constraints could limit healthcare accessibility and service quality, particularly in urban areas.
Source: TOI