In a notable achievement, the health department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has secured the second position in Maharashtra’s esteemed Health Service Index (HSI). This recognition was bestowed by Dheeraj Kumar, the state health commissioner and mission director of the National Health Mission, during a state-level review meeting convened in Pune. Dr. Bhagwan Pawar, PMC’s health officer, received the citation with pride on behalf of the entire department.
The HSI, a vital metric devised by the state government to evaluate health services’ effectiveness, encompasses a thorough assessment of various parameters. These include prenatal care for pregnant women, immunization of children up to 16 years old, family planning initiatives, epidemic management, and the implementation of national health programs such as the Janani Suraksha Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Matrutva Vandana Yojana.
PMC’s health department, previously not ranked in the top 15 districts during the last HSI evaluation, has shown remarkable progress. Under the leadership of PMC chief Rajendra Bhosale and additional commissioner Ravindra Binwade, the department has improved significantly, rising from the third position for four months to the second position for one month, and ultimately claiming the top spot for four months.
While PMC’s health department secured the second spot, the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation emerged as the frontrunner, securing the first position in the state HSI rankings. The Sangli Miraj Kupwad City Municipal Corporation’s health department secured the third position.
The HSI evaluation, conducted monthly and annually, serves as a crucial tool for monitoring and enhancing healthcare delivery across the state. The public health department’s monthly assessment reports bolster transparency and accountability in healthcare governance, facilitating informed decision-making processes.
Looking forward, the PMC health department aims to maintain its top ranking and expand its reach to more citizens. Monthly review meetings for ward-level officers and quarterly meetings for zonal officers have been planned, with recognition and encouragement for field offices performing well. Additionally, a strategic approach focusing on improving the performance of underperforming ward offices and health institutions is underway, with the collective efforts of all health department officials and staff expected to yield even more impressive results in the future.
