Health Minister Prakash Abitkar Promises Support To Private Doctors At Pune Dialogue

To ensure that private medical professionals do not face difficulties while running their practices and to enhance their participation in healthcare initiatives, Health Minister Prakash Abitkar emphasised the importance of their role and cooperation.

At the "Private Medical Professionals' Dialogue" event in Pune, doctors and hospital representatives raised concerns about issues such as the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, biomedical waste management, Mumbai Nursing Home Registration Act, amendments to the Maharashtra Nursing Home Rules, the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, surrogacy and ART bank registration, blood bank registration, and the safety of doctors and hospitals. In response, Abitkar assured that the government would take the necessary steps to resolve these issues.

During the interaction, Abitkar acknowledged the significant contribution of private medical professionals during the pandemic and other health crises. He assured them that the government would extend full support to doctors while they continue to serve the nation. He further stated that efforts must be made to improve healthcare services in the state and to incorporate quality hospitals under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.

Community expresses gratitude

The private medical community expressed gratitude to the Health Minister for taking the initiative to organise such a dialogue. They appreciated his efforts to bridge the gap between the government and medical professionals to improve healthcare services. Representatives from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and other medical experts also highlighted the difficulties faced in providing healthcare services and suggested necessary reforms.

Abitkar assured that he would personally ensure that private medical professionals do not face undue difficulties in their practice and that no injustice is done to them. He also welcomed constructive suggestions for enhancing healthcare services. During the event, he instructed officials to immediately address certain concerns raised by doctors and invited association representatives to Mumbai for further discussions on policy-level decisions.

The initiative is expected to reduce apprehensions among private medical professionals about government regulations and foster a collaborative effort to strengthen the healthcare system.

The event witnessed the participation of Additional Director Dr Babita Kamalapurkar, Deputy Director of Family Welfare Dr Rekha Gaikwad, Deputy Director of Pune Division Dr Radhakisan Pawar, District Health Officer Dr Sachin Desai, Pune Municipal Corporation’s Health Officer Dr Neena Borade, along with IMA representatives Dr Chhajed and Dr Joshi, and a large number of doctors and medical association representatives.