Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 18: Rahul Narwekar, speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, on Wednesday directed the state government to immediately examine the reported shortage of critical medical diagnostic equipment in Sangamner, located in Ahilyanagar district, and present a formal statement before the House.
The issue was raised during Assembly proceedings, highlighting the severe lack of essential diagnostic facilities — particularly MRI and CT scan machines — in the Sangamner region.
Members of the House voiced serious concern over the difficulties faced by residents, many of whom are compelled to travel long distances to private hospitals or larger cities to undergo basic diagnostic tests because government healthcare facilities in the area do not have these machines.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the delay in addressing the issue, Speaker Narwekar said the matter had already been flagged earlier but the government had yet to provide a clear resolution or complete data on the shortfall. He instructed the administration to take immediate cognisance of the situation.
The speaker further directed the government to compile detailed data on the shortage of MRI and CT scan machines across the state, with particular emphasis on Sangamner, and present the information before the ongoing Assembly session concludes.
Issuing a strong warning to the bureaucracy, Narwekar emphasised that instructions issued from the Chair must be strictly followed. He cautioned that any official who believes they are not obligated to comply with the directions of the presiding officer of the Legislature could face strict action.
He also clarified that the government must place responses to pending Calling Attention motions on the table of the House. If these responses are not submitted by the end of the next working day, he warned, the matter could lead to breach of privilege proceedings against the chief secretary.
Reiterating his directive, the speaker said the government must submit a comprehensive statement on the shortage of MRI and CT scan machines in Sangamner and also provide statewide data before the session ends. Failure to do so within the stipulated time could trigger breach of privilege action against senior officials, he added.