Maharashtra Hospitals Boost Care with Skill Mix Program

Starting next week, the Maharashtra public health department will implement the "skill mix" program across Pune, Satara, and Solapur districts. This pioneering initiative targets district, rural, and sub-district hospitals with the goal of reducing child and maternal mortality by improving access to essential medical and surgical services. The program addresses a critical shortage of specialist doctors in government facilities.

The "skill mix" program will strategically deploy specialist doctors and healthcare personnel, reallocating surplus staff to facilities facing shortages. This ensures that essential services like normal deliveries, caesarean sections, and both minor and major surgeries are available at rural and sub-district hospitals, vital for reducing maternal and child deaths. In 2024-25, Maharashtra recorded 1,168 maternal deaths and 13,728 child deaths (0-5 years).

Fully functional First Referral Units (FRUs) are key to this effort. These centers require at least four specialist doctors—surgeon, gynaecologist, physician, and paediatrician—along with support staff. Patients from primary health centers needing advanced care will now be directed to the nearest equipped rural or sub-district hospital, guaranteeing quicker access to specialized treatment closer to home.