As Pune prepares to welcome 2026, the city is embarking on a comprehensive and ambitious journey to transform its public healthcare infrastructure while simultaneously witnessing a significant expansion in private medical services. A multi-pronged strategy, spearheaded by the Pune Zilla Parishad and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), aims to bring quality primary and advanced care closer to citizens.
Public Health Infrastructure Gets a Major Facelift
The cornerstone of this public health push is the development of 60 Model Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the district. Gajanan Patil, the Chief Executive Officer of Pune Zilla Parishad, emphasized this initiative, stating that these centres will be upgraded as per Indian Public Health Standards. This includes installing Modular Operation Theatres and modern labour rooms.
Dr. Ramchandra Hankare, the Pune district health officer, confirmed that work is currently in progress at 31 PHCs, with the target of making all 60 model PHCs fully operational by the end of March 2026. The upgrades extend to better-designed OPD waiting areas, strengthened infrastructure, and quality medical equipment.
At the civic level, Kamala Nehru Hospital under the PMC has increased its bed capacity to 430 beds, as revealed by Medical Officer of Health Dr. Nina Borade. Dr. Prashant Bothe, the medical superintendent, noted the appointment of 17 expert doctors to reduce patient referrals to other facilities.
Specialized Care and Digital Governance
Major government hospitals are also scaling up specialized services. At Sassoon General Hospital, plans have been submitted to the state government for a significant expansion of cancer care facilities and the establishment of new dental units. Dr. Eknath Pawar, Dean of B J Government Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital, highlighted the increasing cancer burden as the reason for planning a dedicated facility. Upgrades to the post-graduate hostel are also on the agenda.
In a move towards digital governance, ultrasound centres in Pune will start online submission of their monthly activity reports from January 2026. Dr. Kalpana Baliwant, Deputy Medical Officer of PMC, explained that this online filing, mandated under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PCPNDT), 1994, will improve regulation and transparency.
Addressing another civic issue, the administration plans to set up at least 20 permanent dog shelters, each with a capacity for 5,000 dogs, in compliance with a Supreme Court order to keep strays away from institutions like schools and hospitals.
Private Sector Expansion and Community Action
Parallel to the public sector's efforts, Pune's reputation as a healthcare hub is attracting massive private investment. Apollo Hospitals has launched a 250-bed quaternary care facility in Swargate, with plans to expand to 400 beds. Max Healthcare has announced its entry into Pune with a new 450-bed super-specialty hospital in Yerawada, involving an investment exceeding ₹1,000 crore, to be commissioned within three years.
Dr. Sunil Rao of Sahyadri Hospitals pointed out that Pune draws patients from across the region, including Kolhapur, Solapur, Satara, and Aurangabad, driving this demand. He stressed that collaboration between private and public sectors is essential to ensure the benefits of these developments reach everyone.
Complementing institutional efforts, Pune is witnessing a rise in community-led initiatives. Organizations like Parisar are campaigning for safer footpaths and pedestrian safety, linking it directly to public health by reducing accidents and injuries. Other community drives focus on air quality, climate change, elderly care, and mental health, showcasing a holistic approach to the city's well-being as it steps into the new year.
