Pune: Primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare is set for a major boost across Maharashtra with state cabinet approving a Rs 4,250-crore five-year health sector reform programme, Pragati, to make public medical system more robust, technology-driven and citizen-centric.A govt resolution (GR) issued on Tuesday stated that the initiative, Primary Healthcare Reimagined with Advanced Governance and Accessible Technology Integration (Pragati), will be implemented during 2026-2031, funded by a Rs 2,975-crore loan from Asian Development Bank and a Rs 1,275-crore contribution from state govt.State officials said the initiative aimed to strengthen primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare through better infrastructure, digital integration, disease prevention and early diagnosis, while cutting out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.A key focus will be the prevention, screening and early detection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Primary health centres, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, urban health centres and higher-level facilities will be equipped with essential staff, medicines, diagnostics and medical equipment. An integrated referral and return-linkage system will ensure patients identified at the primary level are promptly referred for specialised treatment and receive follow-up care closer to home.According to the GR, Pragati will prioritise hypertension, heart disease, stroke, chronic respiratory and kidney diseases, diabetes, childhood illnesses, cancer, mental health conditions and palliative care. Healthcare facilities will be upgraded with diagnostic equipment and trained personnel, while uninterrupted supplies of medicines and diagnostics will be ensured. Capacity-building programmes will also be conducted for medical officers, community health officers and other healthcare staff.The project will strengthen Maharashtra Health Technology Mission and build a digital health ecosystem aligned with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. Proposed services include online patient registration, outpatient and inpatient management, digital laboratory reports, e-prescriptions, medicine dispensing, referral and counter-referral services, discharge summaries, and electronic and personal health records.Pragati will also leverage artificial intelligence, telemedicine, advanced diagnostics and innovative treatment technologies to improve access to quality healthcare. Alongside service delivery, the initiative will promote preventive healthcare through social and behaviour change communication campaigns encouraging healthier lifestyles, including avoiding tobacco and alcohol, regular exercise, balanced diets and routine screening for hypertension, diabetes and cancer.Govt expects the initiative to lower healthcare costs through early diagnosis and timely treatment, particularly for NCDs and cancer, while building a skilled healthcare workforce capable of delivering expanded services across Maharashtra.
