PMC Faces Criticism for Ignoring Existing Healthcare Facilities, Focus Shifts to New Schemes

Health activists and civic observers have raised serious concerns over the PMC approach to public healthcare, accusing it of prioritising new projects over improving the quality of existing medical services. The criticism comes amid growing complaints regarding infrastructure gaps, staff shortages and service delivery issues in civic hospitals.

Pune | March 26, 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is facing sharp criticism from healthcare workers and activists for what is being described as a misguided approach towards improving the city’s public health system. Critics allege that instead of strengthening the quality of existing healthcare services, the civic administration is focusing heavily on launching new schemes and announcements, leading to poor execution and neglect of basic medical infrastructure. Health sector representatives claim the corporation’s current policy reflects a “hand is left, chasing the running one” situation, where attention is diverted towards new initiatives while essential services remain under strain. They argue that several civic hospitals and dispensaries continue to face shortages of staff, medicines, diagnostic facilities and basic equipment, impacting the quality of treatment received by citizens, especially those from economically weaker sections.

According to sources, the focus on new healthcare programmes has increased administrative burden without ensuring improvements in ground-level facilities. Health workers have pointed out that existing services such as outpatient departments, maternity wards and emergency care units require urgent upgrades, along with better monitoring systems to ensure accountability. Activists have also questioned the corporation’s long-term planning, stating that repeated announcements without effective implementation only add to public dissatisfaction. They have demanded that PMC conduct a thorough review of its current healthcare infrastructure, fill vacant posts, improve sanitation and ensure availability of medicines before introducing additional schemes.

The issue has sparked wider debate about PMC’s priorities, with experts suggesting that strengthening the city’s existing healthcare network is critical, especially as Pune continues to expand rapidly in population and urban density. With public health challenges rising, civic administration officials are expected to respond to these concerns and clarify their roadmap for healthcare development. Citizens and healthcare workers alike have urged the corporation to shift focus towards quality improvement and sustainable healthcare delivery rather than cosmetic policy announcements.

Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter

Also Read- Pune