Maharashtra’s youngest MLA, Rohit Patil (25), has raised concerns over the state’s healthcare system, urging urgent reforms. Speaking during the Budget session on Friday, Patil emphasized the need for better hospital management and suggested adopting Kerala’s practice of printing days of the week on hospital bed sheets to ensure daily changes.
“In Kerala, health officers verify if the correct bed sheet is used on the designated day during surprise visits. Maharashtra should implement a similar system to maintain hygiene in government hospitals,” said Patil, son of the late R. R. Patil.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report from December 2024 highlighted severe shortages in Maharashtra’s healthcare sector. Covering the period from 2016-22, the report noted a 40% shortfall in sanctioned posts for gynaecologists, anaesthetists, radiologists, and chest medicine specialists. Additionally, there was a 27% shortage among doctors, 35% among nurses, and 31% in paramedical staff.
Expressing concern over the procurement of medicines from non-existent companies, Patil called for a robust healthcare policy to improve services. He also criticized politicians who reference Western healthcare models without addressing Maharashtra’s fundamental issues.
“While we admire developed nations’ healthcare systems, Maharashtra faces critical challenges—doctor shortages, lack of paramedical staff, and inadequate medicine supply. We claim to be the number one state, but what kind of healthcare services are we providing to the common man and taxpayers?” Patil questioned.
His remarks underline the urgent need for systemic improvements in Maharashtra’s public healthcare, ensuring accessibility and efficiency for all citizens.
