Pune Public Health Department Officials Rank Among Worst Performers In Maharashtra
Pune Public Health Department Officials Rank Among Worst Performers In Maharashtra
In a recent state-wide assessment of national healthcare programs, Pune health officials have ranked among the five worst performers in Maharashtra. The civil surgeon of Pune district scored a dismal 33%, ranking last among 34 districts, while the district health officer (DHO) secured the 31st position with a score of 41.80%.
The evaluation, conducted by the public health department in September, revealed significant shortcomings in key health programs such as maternal health, nutrition, family planning, dialysis, and rabies control. Administrative inefficiencies and compromised healthcare services have negatively impacted public healthcare programs in Pune.
The civil surgeon’s performance was found unsatisfactory in several areas, including maternal health, nutrition, and family planning. The National Programme for the Control of Blindness, dialysis services, hospital administration, and finances were also poorly managed.
Similarly, the district health officer was found ineffective in implementing programs related to maternal health, child health, family planning, and adolescent health. The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), National Urban Health Mission, and Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centre (HWC) scheme were also poorly managed.
Dr. Nitin Ambadekar, director of health services, Maharashtra, has written to the civil surgeon and DHO, emphasizing the need to give special attention to these programs and implement measures to improve them.
However, Dr. Nagnath Yempalay, district civil surgeon, has disputed the ranking criteria, claiming that Pune is among the best-performing districts. He attributed the poor ranking to a mismatch in data due to delayed reporting by program heads. Four show-cause notices have been issued to the program heads in this regard.
The poor performance of Pune health officials raises concerns about the quality of healthcare services in the district. The state health department’s assessment highlights the need for urgent attention to address these shortcomings and improve healthcare outcomes in Pune.
