13 August,2026 09:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Union Minister of State Prataprao Jadhav directed the BMC to make space available for Jan Aushadhi centres at major municipal hospitals. Pic/BMC
Hospitals in Mumbai have been directed to prominently display information about beds reserved for economically weaker sections and various central government health schemes, Union Minister of State Prataprao Jadhav said on Thursday.
Jadhav, who holds independent charge of the Ayush Ministry and is also Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, gave the directions during a review meeting on public health schemes at a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) hospital on August 13.
Jadhav said patients visiting BMC hospitals should be able to easily access information about health schemes run by the central government.
He directed hospitals to put up information boards in prominent locations explaining the schemes and the benefits available to patients.
He also asked charitable hospitals to clearly display information about beds reserved for needy and economically weaker patients.
The minister said central government schemes should be used more effectively to improve healthcare infrastructure and facilities at Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation hospitals and dispensaries.
Jadhav also directed the BMC to make space available for Jan Aushadhi centres at major municipal hospitals.
The centres are intended to improve access to affordable generic medicines for patients.
He called for better publicity and awareness of central health schemes so that more people, particularly those from economically weaker sections, can benefit from them.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde said Ayushman Bharat cardholders should not be forced to submit additional identity documents or paperwork while seeking medical treatment.
She directed that the instruction be implemented immediately at BMC hospitals.
The meeting reviewed a range of central and state-supported healthcare initiatives, including the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Bharat, generic medicine centres, and the 'Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana' initiative.
Officials also discussed plans for a proton therapy centre, artificial intelligence-based screening for cervical, breast and oral cancers, energy-efficiency projects through public-private partnerships, advanced Ayush healthcare facilities and mental health services for women before and after childbirth.
Other issues included the National Health Fund, sewage treatment plants at municipal hospitals and solar energy projects.
Jadhav urged elected representatives and officials to work together to ensure that central government health schemes and technical and financial assistance reach economically disadvantaged residents directly.
He also called for efforts to secure maximum central funding for Maharashtra's healthcare sector and ensure that the funds are used effectively and within the stipulated time.
The meeting was attended by Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi, MPs Ravindra Waikar and Jyoti Waghmare, senior BMC officials, public health department officials, hospital deans and other elected representatives.
