Maharashtra's Health Crisis: 64 Hospitals Non-Functional

As many as 64 of Maharashtra's 236 First Referral Units (FRUs) are currently non-functional due to a severe shortage of specialized doctors and infrastructure problems. These units are vital for providing round-the-clock emergency and essential services for mother and child healthcare, including high-risk deliveries and specialized newborn care. With approximately 27% of FRUs offline, pregnant women in rural and remote areas face critical delays in accessing necessary medical attention. The health department acknowledges the severity of the situation, with Nashik circle reporting the highest number of non-operational FRUs. Steps are being planned to address the doctor shortage by allowing local appointments on a contract basis and strengthening infrastructure to revive these essential units and reduce maternal and child mortality rates.

Health activists emphasize that the non-operational status of FRUs directly impacts maternal and infant mortality rates. Complications during childbirth can escalate rapidly, and delays in accessing specialist care can lead to preventable deaths. They advocate for prioritizing specialist postings, ensuring all FRUs are fully equipped with functional blood storage, and enforcing standardized clinical protocols. The creation of a district-level pool of specialists is also proposed to guarantee continuous expert care. The government has committed to strengthening FRUs to ensure safer deliveries closer to home for women in remote regions.