In Maharashtra alone, there are over 200 new primary health centres (PHCs) and sub-centres that have been constructed but are closed and non-functional due to a shortage of operational funds. These facilities do not receive things such as furniture, medical equipment, electricity connections, and personnel even after the physical infrastructure is fully completed.
Rural folks are yet to avail basic healthcare
The sub-centres and PHCs form the bulk of rural health care, with low-cost treatment, and serve as the point of first contact in case of health emergencies. The two also launch major national programme interventions such as immunization drives and maternal and child health care.
But a senior officer in the public health department revealed that although the state had approved construction of over 400 such centres between 2021 and 2025, only 210 were built so far. The majority of them are non-functional.
"The department approved the construction of more than 400 primary health centres and sub-centres across the state between 2021 and 2025, and of these, 210 buildings have been constructed, but many remain non-functional," said the officer.
Critical shortage of key staff and equipment
According to department records, 98 PHCs were sanctioned in the last four years. While 64 are functioning, 34 are non-functional due to a critical shortage of key staff and equipment. The condition of Sub-centres is worse. Out of 308 sanctioned, 129 are functioning, and 179 are idle and pending to be provided with resources.
"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 in the state are reportedly demanding money from the government for purchasing furniture, electricity, medicines, and medical staff.
"Of the 308 sub-centres approved for construction, only 129 have become operational, and the remaining 179 buildings are lying unused," the official noted.
Irregular completion of projects delays funds.
The most daunting task in preparing these facilities is the irregularity of finishing the projects.
"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 explained.
The state Public Health Minister, Prakash Abitkar, in reaction, announced a revision of the procedural guidelines. Earlier, furniture and staff preparation began only after the completion of 75 percent. Now, these preparations will begin when the halfway mark of the construction work is reached.
"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 had said.
The change is expected to enable the fast-tracking of the establishment and commencement of new centres.
A Complex Health Network in Need of Balance
One of the senior officials mentioned the department's enormous chain, sub-centres, PHCs, rural hospitals, and civil hospitals as another reason for delay.
"The public health department operates an extensive system of PHCs, sub-centres, and 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 stated.
Though there have been efforts from the state to upgrade rural health centres, the conversion of buildings into functional health centres remains a major bottleneck. Continued efforts and early release of funds will play a key role in getting these much-needed health centres operational and improving rural healthcare coverage in Maharashtra.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)