MP Shrikant Shinde Advocates for Smart Health Centers & Schools in Thane

Shinde also advocated for the installation of GPS systems in government ambulances to enhance emergency response times.

In a call for modernization, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, son of Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, proposed transforming primary health centers into smart health centers equipped with modern facilities and experienced staff.

The MP from the Kalyan constituency made these suggestions during a district planning committee meeting at Thane collectorate, chaired by Guardian Minister Shambhuraj Desai.

During the meeting, Shinde emphasized the need for upgraded facilities and skilled personnel at primary health centers to ensure the provision of high-quality medical care.

He also advocated for the installation of GPS systems in government ambulances to enhance emergency response times. "Currently, the district lacks a streamlined system for ambulance deployment, causing delays," Shinde noted.

He further proposed the creation of a comprehensive dashboard to monitor ambulance locations and driver information.

In addition to health centers, Shinde suggested the conversion of municipal and district council schools into model smart schools, complete with modern amenities.

Collector Ashok Shingare assured that a proposal encompassing these initiatives would be submitted within a week, marking a step towards significant improvements in the district's healthcare and educational infrastructure.

Recent Healthcare Developments in Maharashtra

Just days back, in a move to address rampant malpractices in pathological laboratories across Maharashtra, the state government planned to introduce a new law to curb these issues.

The announcement was made in the legislative assembly on Monday, following numerous complaints from legislators about the unregulated operations of these labs.

Industries Minister Uday Samant informed the assembly that the new legislation would include provisions for punishment, rules, and procedures for issuing certificates to pathological laboratories.

In another development, last month, Maharashtra's district and sub-district hospitals announced plans to introduce advanced diagnostic and treatment services such as MRI, CT scans, cardiac catheterization labs, and dialysis in the coming months.

This enhancement in health services in remote areas is set to be achieved through private partnerships. Under this model, these firms will develop infrastructure, procure machines, hire manpower, and oversee operations within government hospital premises.

Further, these will provide treatment to patients free of cost; however, they will incur expenses from the government for the services rendered.