Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 17: Maharashtra Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar on Thursday informed the state assembly that the disbursement process for pending honorariums of ASHA volunteers and group promoters has begun, following receipt of delayed central funds.

“The honorarium was pending due to non-receipt of central funds since January 2025. However, the funds were received on June 4, and distribution is now underway,” Abitkar said, responding to a query by MLA Nana Patole. He added that state-funded honorariums were being paid regularly during this period.

In reply to another question from Abhijit Patil, the minister outlined a time-bound plan to provide doctors and health staff with accommodation near hospitals. He also said biometric attendance has been made mandatory for all hospital staff to ensure accountability.

Abitkar highlighted that dilapidated buildings like the Manegaon Primary Health Centre in Madha taluka would be demolished following structural audits, with new facilities to be built in their place once deregistration is complete.

Meanwhile, Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif addressed healthcare concerns in Gondia. He said the government is expediting the provision of sonography, dialysis, and other essential medical equipment at the district hospital.

He assured that measures are being taken to ensure blood component availability for thalassemia and sickle cell patients. A component separation machine at Gangabai Blood Bank in Gondia is awaiting licensing, expected within a month following a joint inspection on July 1.

A new government medical college has also been sanctioned in Gondia, and responsibility for the institution will now rest with the dean, not the district surgeon, Mushrif confirmed.