Pune, 19th August 2022: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has proposed to build a 700-bed multi-speciality hospital in Warje. The hospital will be run on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis. The strategy is being implemented against the backdrop of many citizens and activist protests alleging that the PMC-outsourced diagnostic centres, cardiac units, and other healthcare institutions do not offer treatment for free or at reduced costs.
The proposal has drawn criticism from activists and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), who claim that this proposal does not do justice to taxpayers’ money.
On 2.5 acres of land, a 700-bed multi-speciality hospital will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 350 crore. The money will be taken on a loan. While a private organisation will be granted control of the hospital, the civic body will act as a guarantee for the debt.
According to activists, it will not benefit the public if they had to pay for healthcare at the municipal hospital.
According to the AAP, if the private organisation is unable to pay back the debt, the PMC will guarantee the hospital. The PMC will cover the insurance premium, and overall, Pune residents would suffer significant losses.
Vijay Kumbhar, State Organiser and Pune City Working President of AAP said, “We disagree with this proposal. The citizens of Pune must simultaneously pay taxes to the municipality and for treatment at this hospital.”
Dr Abhijit More, Health Advocate and AAP State Spokesperson said, “The PMC has a responsibility to offer high-quality, no-cost medical care. Free health care will be offered to the citizens if the AAP wins the municipal election and better hospitals will be built along the lines of the Delhi model.”