AFMC deploys specialist doctors at Pune Cantonment Hospital

AFMC has deployed a General Surgeon and a Gynaecologist, along with other specialists, significantly improving access to critical procedures over the past few months.

The collaboration comes as a major relief to the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB), which had been grappling with a financial crisis. Due to budgetary constraints, it was facing significant difficulties in appointing experts on a contractual basis.

With the availability of doctors, the hospital is now able to perform one to two surgeries daily, which reduces waiting times for patients and leads to improved treatment outcomes. Under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, nearly all surgeries are provided free of cost, thereby ensuring that economically disadvantaged patients are not deprived of necessary medical treatment.

Speaking to the TOI, in this regard, PCB's Resident Medical Officer, Dr Usha Tapse, said, "We now perform at least 50 surgeries across various departments every month. Previously, due to a shortage of specialists, many patients had to be referred elsewhere."

"A few years ago, AFMC had discontinued its services to the hospital over security concerns. We pursued the matter consistently, and they resumed their support. It has made a real difference," Tapase added.

Along with this, a senior doctor at the hospital said, "We have streamlined the system so that patients can easily access surgeries and advanced treatments without taking on a financial burden. The support from AFMC has strengthened our capabilities”.

Meanwhile, officials at the Cantonment Hospital stated that their partnership with the AFMC is yielding positive results. They expressed hope that this arrangement would continue in the future, ensuring that residents of the camp continue to receive affordable and high-quality healthcare services.