‘Aapla Dawakhana’ to Offer 20 Free Services
- Quality Medical Care to Reach More Citizens Across Pimpri-Chinchwad
Pimpri : In a major step towards making healthcare more accessible to residents living in densely populated settlements and high-risk slum areas, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has approved the provision of 20 different free healthcare services at the ‘Hindurhidaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana’ and Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
The decision aims to ensure that residents, particularly daily wage workers and economically weaker sections, can access quality medical treatment close to their homes without having to travel long distances to primary health centres.
The services will be introduced in accordance with the guidelines of the 15th Finance Commission and National Health Mission. The initiative will provide comprehensive primary healthcare facilities free of cost to citizens in areas where access to municipal health centres is limited.
The 20 free services will include outpatient consultation, medicines, laboratory tests, antenatal check-ups for pregnant women, teleconsultation, vaccination, mental health counselling, pre- and post-natal care for mothers and children, basic healthcare, eye check-ups, ENT (ear, nose and throat) services, special healthcare for senior citizens and yoga classes for patients, among other facilities.
Several ‘Aapla Dawakhana’ centres are already operational in Pimpri-Chinchwad, including facilities at Padmavati-Chikhali, Dapodi Metro Jijau, Jadhavwadi, Khivansara Patil (Wakad) and Chikhali. The municipal corporation now plans to further strengthen healthcare delivery through these centres.
According to PCMC officials, many residents in densely populated and slum areas face difficulties in accessing timely medical treatment due to financial constraints and transportation-related issues. The new initiative is expected to address these difficulties by bringing essential healthcare services closer to residents.
Providing accessible healthcare to ordinary citizens, workers and residents of slum areas is an important responsibility of the civic body. “Citizens will receive 20 types of services, ranging from outpatient consultation and free medicines to various diagnostic tests, vaccination and orthopaedic care. I appeal to maximum citizens to take advantage of these facilities and help spread awareness about the scheme. A healthy population is essential for the overall development of the city.” The civic body expects the initiative to improve access to preventive and primary healthcare, particularly for residents who may otherwise delay treatment because of cost, distance or lack of transportation.
- Abhishek Barne, Standing Committee Chairman, PCMC
