Lack of funds for resources keep more than 200 newly built health centres locked in Maharashtra

Representational Image

More than 200 recently constructed primary health centres (PHCs) and sub-centres in Maharashtra are underused due to a lack of finances for needed supplies and staff, according to a top public health official. Keeping in mind that PHCs and sub-centres are critical components of the rural healthcare system, serving as the first responders during medical emergencies and disease epidemics in villages, they do provide affordable treatment. They oversee national health activities, including immunisation drives, and offer critical care to women and children.

As per PTI, some PHCs and sub-centres erected over the last four years have remained inoperable due to a lack of finances for furniture, power, and staffing, according to the officials.

"The department approved the construction of more than 400 primary health centres (PHCs) and sub-centres across the state between 2021 and 2025, and of these, 210 buildings have been constructed, but many remain non-functional," he further stated.

The official said in some instances, fully constructed buildings have remained unutilised for nearly two years.

"Although the physical infrastructure is ready, the absence of basic operational support means that these centres are yet to start functioning," he said.

According to the department's data, 98 PHCs were sanctioned in the last four years.

"Only 64 PHCs are operational, and 34 remain locked due to an acute shortage of staff and essential supplies," the official added.

Local health officials said they have frequently asked the government for cash for furnishings, drugs, energy, and staffing.

The scenario is identical in rural sub-centres.

"Of the 308 sub-centres approved for construction, only 129 have become operational, and the remaining 179 buildings are lying unused," the official noted, adding that the department is flooded with requests from across the state for human resources, electricity, and equipment.

He, however, explained that fund allocation becomes difficult as each facility is in different stages of completion.

"We cannot judiciously assign funds when every centre requires a different level of support, which is why many buildings are technically ready but lie unused," the official said.

According to Prakash Abitkar, the State Public Health Minister, the department has updated its procedural guidelines.

"Earlier, furniture procurement and staff appointments would only begin once construction was 75 per cent complete. Now, we have decided to start preparations when the work is 50 per cent complete," the minister issues a statement.

A former top official from the concerned department described that their extensive infrastructure network is challenging and requires precise operation.

"The public health department operates an extensive system of PHCs, sub-centres, civil and rural hospitals. With such a wide reach, it is not feasible to focus resources on any one facility. As a result, projects take longer to complete," he explained.

(With PTI Inputs)