Maharashtra to redevelop Ulhasnagar Central Hospital into 500-bed multi-specialty facility
Redevelopment of Ulhasnagar Central Hospital
Ulhasnagar: In a major push to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure in Maharashtra, the state government has announced plans to redevelop the government-run Central Hospital in Ulhasnagar into a modern 500-bed multi-speciality facility.
The government has also proposed an expansion of the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital to meet the region's growing healthcare needs.
The announcement was made by Maharashtra Health Minister Shri Prakash Abitkar during his visit to the Central Hospital and the newly developed ESIC Hospital in Ulhasnagar. The inspection was conducted in the presence of Kalyan Member of Parliament Dr Shrikant Shinde, who reviewed the status of healthcare infrastructure and ongoing projects in the area, reports TOI.
During the visit, the Health Minister assessed the existing facilities at the Central Hospital and instructed officials to improve patient care while addressing infrastructure deficiencies. He said the hospital would be redeveloped on the lines of the Thane District Civil Hospital into a 500-bed multi-speciality institution.
MP Dr Shrikant Shinde directed the Health Department and the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed redevelopment on a priority basis and submit it to the state government for approval. He also proposed that the upgraded hospital should include a dedicated maternity hospital to provide comprehensive healthcare services under one roof.
In addition, Shinde said the existing hospital would undergo a complete audit and assured that the necessary funds would be made available for upgrading medical infrastructure and essential healthcare services.
The minister also reviewed the newly constructed ESIC Hospital building in Ulhasnagar. Although the facility currently has a sanctioned capacity of 100 beds, the state is considering expanding it to 250-300 beds by constructing an additional floor to cater to the city's large working-class population.
According to officials, the upgraded ESIC Hospital is expected to become operational within the next six months. The facility will be equipped with advanced diagnostic services, including MRI, CT scan and a catheterisation lab (Cath Lab). Eligible beneficiaries will also be able to access free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat and Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana schemes.
Referring to the recent assault on doctors at KDMC's Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli, Abitkar stated that the government would further strengthen the hospital by increasing the number of doctors and improving medical infrastructure to ensure better healthcare services for patients.
