Pune Doctors' Pay Hike Slashes Patient Referrals by 30%

In a significant boost to public healthcare, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has achieved over a 30% reduction in patient referrals to tertiary hospitals within three months. This success stems from appointing specialist doctors and revising their pay scales.

To combat a shortage of specialists, PMC increased their monthly salaries from ₹1 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh. This initiative led to the recruitment of several gynaecologists, paediatricians, physicians, and an anaesthetist at Kamla Nehru Hospital.

As a result, referrals dropped from 574 cases between October and December 2025 to 403 cases between January and March 2026. The availability of round-the-clock specialist care has also enhanced surgical procedures and outpatient department visits.

This enhancement ensures timely treatment at municipal hospitals, reducing complications and mortality. It also strengthens emergency response, providing immediate expert care for critical cases and lessening the burden on government and private facilities, thereby saving costs for patients.