Maharashtra Enforces Strict Zero Prescription Policy in Government Hospitals, Expands Free Healthcare Network Across State

The decision forms part of a large-scale public health initiative implemented under the “Balasaheb Thackeray Urban and Rural Public Welfare Campaign,” which outlines the execution of 13 key healthcare components across the state. The campaign is being intensified across 1,958 Primary Health Centres and 10,788 Sub-Centres, marking a statewide expansion aligned with the Balasaheb Thackeray birth centenary year observance.

Under the programme, Primary Health Centres will provide 63 types of diagnostic tests, while Sub-Centres will conduct 14 categories of essential medical tests. Preventive screening has been made mandatory for women above 30 years of age, covering breast cancer, cervical cancer, and oral cancer among other critical health conditions.

Specialised menopause clinics will also be established in all municipal hospitals, district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, and selected rural hospitals where gynecological services are available. These clinics will operate every Wednesday during outpatient department hours, offering routine medical examinations for women experiencing menopause-related physical, psychological, and hormonal imbalances that are often overlooked.

The state has set an ambitious target to increase the proportion of patients utilizing government healthcare facilities from 17 percent to 40 percent. Authorities have also directed the accelerated issuance and distribution of health cards under the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Public Health Scheme and the Prime Minister’s Public Health Insurance Scheme (Ayushman Bharat). Out of 9.74 crore ration card beneficiaries, 3.94 crore individuals, accounting for 40 percent, have already received Ayushman health cards. The government aims to expand coverage to 7.30 crore beneficiaries, representing 75 percent of the total eligible population.

As part of urban healthcare expansion, 351 Ayushman Health Temples, 26 Jagrut Polyclinics, and 31 Balasaheb Thackeray Our Clinic centres will be established under the National Urban Health Mission and state health programmes across municipal corporations, municipal councils, town councils, and cantonment areas.

To strengthen healthcare delivery, the state will also fill 6,258 vacant posts of medical officers and staff under the National Urban Health Mission. Additionally, 565 vacant posts under the Balasaheb Thackeray Our Clinic initiative will be filled through a special recruitment drive.

The comprehensive policy push reflects a significant restructuring of Maharashtra’s public healthcare system, aimed at expanding accessibility, strengthening preventive care, and ensuring free essential treatment across government health institutions.