Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The Regional Mental Hospital (RMH) for Marathwada in Jalna has failed to take shape almost five years after receiving official approval from the state cabinet. The 350-bed hospital, to be built over 10 acres, is expected to serve patients from eight districts of Marathwada, along with Jalgaon and Buldhana.
Patients and Families Accuse Government of Delay
Scores of patients and their families, suffering due to the delay, have accused the Mahayuti government of slowing down the health project announced by the previous MVA government at a cost of Rs 104.44 crore. Former public health minister Rajesh Tope, who hails from Jalna, stated that barely 50% of the construction of the RMH has been completed so far.
"Work is progressing at a snail's pace and needs to be expedited. In the absence of a state-run hospital, patients needing mental health care must be shifted to Pune or Thane, where similar facilities are already overcrowded," Tope said. He also highlighted that the state government has remained silent on the creation of posts for the said RMH, which is a major prerequisite before starting the health facility.
Stakeholders Demand Attention from Chief Minister
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday announced the conversion of RMHs in Pune, Thane, Ratnagiri, and Nagpur into teaching institutes. This prompted stakeholders from Marathwada to draw his attention to the pending project in Jalna as well. When contacted, deputy director of health for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Dr Kanchan Wanere, only said work on the Jalna RMH is in progress.
"The state-run hospital will take shape soon. Creation of posts and other formalities will be completed as per norms," Wanere said. The Times of India could not reach state minister of public health and family welfare Prakash Abitkar for comment on the matter.
