Maharashtra Expands Healthcare Services with Cancer Care, Ambulances, & Women’s Health Initiatives

Govt to set up chemotherapy centers, deploy mobile X-ray units, and introduce mental health support.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced the establishment of daycare chemotherapy centers in six cities—Thane, Solapur, Ahilyanagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nanded, and Wardha—to improve access to cancer treatment.

"These centers will provide essential chemotherapy services closer to patients’ homes, reducing the burden on major hospitals," Shinde stated.

To strengthen cancer care further, the government is launching eight cancer mobile vans equipped with diagnostic and treatment facilities for remote areas.

"The introduction of mobile cancer vans aims to ensure that patients, especially in underserved regions, receive timely screenings and medical consultations," he added.

The state government will deploy 102 ambulances, including seven Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances, to enhance emergency medical response.

"ALS ambulances will be stationed in critical districts such as Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Sindhudurg, Pune, Ratnagiri, and Raigad to address urgent medical emergencies," Shinde said.

To improve diagnostic services, two CT (computed tomography) scan machines will be set up at hospitals in Vaijapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Dahanu. Additionally, 80 portable digital handheld X-ray machines will be distributed across rural districts, focusing on the early detection of tuberculosis.

"A major focus is on strengthening diagnostic capabilities in rural areas, where access to medical imaging remains limited. These handheld X-ray machines will play a crucial role in tuberculosis screening," Shinde explained.

Women’s Health & Financial Assistance for Medical Care

A statewide women’s health initiative will provide comprehensive health check-ups to two crore women across Maharashtra.

"This program will cover essential tests, including blood pressure, diabetes, and hemoglobin levels, ensuring that women in the most remote areas receive necessary medical attention," Shinde said.

Mobile health check-up units will facilitate screenings in rural and tribal regions. The government will also introduce a ‘Deputy Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell’ to provide financial aid for medical treatments.

"This initiative will function similarly to the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell, which has supported 51,000 patients with Rs. 460 crore in financial assistance over the past two years," Shinde added.

Mental Health, AYUSH, & Herbal Medicine Promotion

As part of its mental health efforts, the Maharashtra government launched the ‘Mayaka’ app to support mental well-being and awareness.

"Mental health remains a key priority, and the ‘Mayaka’ app will provide guidance and resources for those in need," Shinde said.

Union Minister of State for AYUSH Prataprav Jadhav announced additional health initiatives, including establishing a naturopathy and wellness center and a herbal garden in Dare village, Satara district.

"The ‘Har Ghar Ayurveda’ scheme has also been launched to promote the integration of Ayurveda into daily healthcare practices," Jadhav stated.