Health dept to appoint 5,000 doctors, staff to revive non-functional facilities

Abitkar noted that several healthcare centres, including First Referral Units (FRUs), are currently non-functional due to a lack of doctors, while newly developed facilities are yet to be operational for the same reason

Amid several healthcare facilities remaining non-functional due to a shortage of doctors and specialists, the state public health department will appoint 5,000 doctors and healthcare staff, Health Minister Prakash Abitkar said on Wednesday.

The department has been grappling with a shortage of doctors and specialists for some time. To strengthen rural healthcare services, 450 medical officers have already been appointed, and recruitment for another 1,500 medical officers is underway. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

The move aims to make non-functional and newly built healthcare facilities operational, he said while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ‘My Village, Healthy Village’ campaign in Pune.

Abitkar noted that several healthcare centres, including First Referral Units (FRUs), are currently non-functional due to a lack of doctors, while newly developed facilities are yet to be operational for the same reason.

Hindustan Times had earlier reported on February 23, 2026, that 64 of the 236 FRUs across Maharashtra were non-functional due to a shortage of specialised doctors and infrastructure gaps. These centres provide round-the-clock emergency and essential services under maternal and child health programmes and play a key role in reducing maternal and child mortality.

“The proposal for appointing 5,000 doctors and staff is currently with the High-Power Committee. Approval is expected within a couple of months, after which the manpower will be deployed at these facilities. All non-functional and new healthcare centres will be made operational before the monsoon,” Abitkar said.

The department has been grappling with a shortage of doctors and specialists for some time. To strengthen rural healthcare services, 450 medical officers have already been appointed, and recruitment for another 1,500 medical officers is underway.

The ‘My Village, Healthy Village’ campaign, aimed at improving rural healthcare through community participation and preventive measures, was launched earlier this week. The programme was attended by senior officials, including principal secretary (health) Dr Nipun Vinayak, secretary E Ravindran, urban commissioner Dr Sunil Bhokare, Pune Zilla Parishad CEO Gajanan Patil, and director of health services Dr Nitin Ambadekar, among others.

Speaking at the event, Abitkar said the campaign seeks to bring positive changes in health habits in rural areas, with a focus on prevention over treatment. He expressed confidence that the initiative is receiving an enthusiastic response across districts and will succeed with collective effort.