Health is one of the departments of the Maharashtra government that has delivered to expectations. Health Minister Suresh Shetty tells Kiran Tare how he ensured a transparent administration. Excerpts…
How you do rate yourself?
When I took over four years ago, there were lots of complaints about unavailability of medicines at government hospitals. Today, we provide 418 types of medicines, including those for cancer and diabetes, free of cost.
Why couldn’t your good work become the government’s flagship schemes?
We have performed 2,75,000 surgeries under Jeevandayi Health Scheme so far. The blood-on-call scheme is unique. We have state-of-the-art ambulances. We could not publicise these schemes due to inadequate funds.
What is the state of rural health now?
We have drastically cut down Infant Mortality Rate and Mother Mortality Rate. More than 50 per cent deliveries took place in hospitals. Blood components are available at every taluka. We won the national award four times. We are the only department in India after PMO to have online administration.
Why didn’t you get credit for the good work?
A smile on people’s face is more important for me. Sonia Gandhi had asked me to focus on the job.