Stating that the government will increase its efforts to improve the emergency health services in the State, Maharashtra Health Minister Suresh Shetty said that action will be initiated against 'lazy' doctors.

He lauded the projects of Sakal Media Group including the Maharashtra's Expectations initiative. "Many programmes are being launched by the government to empower women. The efforts made through Tanishka Women's Dignity Forum in this regard are laudable," he stated.

The minister said that the health care facilities in Maharashtra are good but efforts are on to enhance them. The Jeevandayee Yojana which is being implemented in eight districts will be extended to all districts from November. The ministry is focusing on improving the condition in the hospitals by appointing trained doctors, he said.

Though 95 to 97 per cent deliveries take place in hospitals in the State but the health ministry is focusing on why 3 to 5 per cent women have to deliver at home. The government wants to extend medical facilities to remote and tribal areas. A list of those doctors who have been appointed in the remote areas but remain absent from work, is ready with the government. A total of 400 doctors are shirking work and strong action will be taken against them, he assured.

While aiming to provide basic medical facilities, the ministry has realised that apart from malnutrition, lifestyle diseases are also prevalent. Hence, we are also concentrating on this issue.

Four years ago, 1,700 posts were vacant in the State. Now the posts in class I, II and IV are being filled. Through the Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayee Yojana, 97,000 operations have been carried out in eight districts. Kidney realated diseases are increasing. The government has agreed to provide a grant of Rs 1.25 lakh for patients suffering from kidney ailments. The ministry is committed to further strengthening the public health system because treatment in private hospitals in beyond the reach of the common man.

It is an encouraging thing that more people have started preferring the health service in public hospitals as the number of patients have increased. We have started a 'Blood on Call' scheme in Satara and Sindhudurg districts so that people who need blood would not have to run from pillar to post. This scheme would soon be expanded to rest of the State, assured Shetty.

He lamented that some of the planned schemes could not be introduced. "We had launched a project so that ambulance could be made available within 15-20 minutes when a patient in any corner of the State needs it. We were to launch 750 ambulances in the first phase which were to be coordinated through a call centre to be set up in Pune. But now this matter is subjudiced due to some reasons," he said.

Shetty further stated that the government will take up a campaign so that doctors prescribe generic medicines.

The local government is responsible for keeping epidemics in control.

The local self government bodies should concentrate on maintaining cleanliness.

The State government cannot interfere in the functioning of the civic body in a huge city like Mumbai but all need to come together on the issue of health. The government is doing its best to fulfill the expectations of the people, said Shetty.