MRI, CT scan and yellow fever vaccination centre begin at Kolhapur's Seva Hospital

New advanced health facilities have been started at Seva Hospital in Kasba Bawda, Kolhapur. They include an MRI, a CT scan, an IPHL laboratory and a yellow fever vaccination centre. The facilities were inaugurated by Prakash Abitkar, Public Health Minister and Guardian Minister of Kolhapur. The facilities will reduce the need to go from one private hospital to another for costly medical tests.

Minister Abitkar said the government is trying to ensure that government hospitals also get facilities on a par with private hospitals. He also said the health department's emphasis is on ensuring that ordinary people get good treatment free or at low cost.

Among those present at the event were MP Shahu Maharaj Chhatrapati, State Planning Board executive chairman Rajesh Kshirsagar and Mayor Ruparani Nikam, along with many other dignitaries.

Advanced facilities are being introduced in phases in government hospitals to develop Kolhapur as a medical hub. Seva Hospital plans to begin cancer diagnosis and treatment in the future. Abitkar said preparations are also under way for a brain stroke centre, an oncology department for cancer surgery and a cath lab.

A 500-bed super speciality hospital is planned at Shenda Park in collaboration with MITRA. Efforts are also on to start a 200-bed cashless hospital. The capacity of the Gadhinglaj sub-district hospital will be raised from 100 to 200 beds. Advanced facilities will also be provided at the IGM Hospital in Ichalkaranji.

With the yellow fever vaccination centre starting at Seva Hospital, residents of Kolhapur and five to six neighbouring districts will be able to use it. The centre will serve people from many nearby districts, not only Kolhapur.

MP Shahu Maharaj Chhatrapati expressed the hope that the facilities would benefit ordinary patients. Rajesh Kshirsagar said the facilities would help ease the financial burden of costly tests at private hospitals.