Madhya Pradesh Approves ₹776 Crore Plan to Upgrade 73 Government Health Facilities
Cabinet sanctions major healthcare infrastructure expansion with new hospitals, additional beds and over 2,200 healthcare positions to improve medical services across the state.
Bhopal, July 20: In a significant move aimed at strengthening public healthcare services, the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has approved a comprehensive healthcare infrastructure project worth ₹776.13 crore to upgrade 73 government health institutions across the state. The initiative seeks to improve access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where medical facilities remain limited.
According to the Cabinet decision, the healthcare expansion programme will transform the state’s medical network through phased upgrades. Twenty-nine sub-health centres will be converted into six bed Primary Health Centres (PHCs), while 19 existing PHCs will be upgraded into Community Health Centres (CHCs). Additionally, 18 CHCs will be developed into 50-bed civil hospitals, and seven larger institutions will become 100-bed hospitals.
The state government said the investment is intended to reduce pressure on district hospitals, improve emergency medical care, and ensure that residents receive treatment closer to their homes instead of travelling long distances.
Massive Recruitment Drive
To support the expanded healthcare facilities, the Cabinet approved the creation of 1,600 regular government posts, 71 contractual positions, and 560 outsourced staff. The recruitment will include doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, pharmacists, administrative personnel, and support staff.
Officials believe the additional workforce will help improve patient care while reducing waiting times in government hospitals.
Better Healthcare Access
Healthcare experts have welcomed the decision, noting that improved infrastructure combined with adequate staffing can significantly enhance maternal healthcare, child health services, emergency treatment, and management of non-communicable diseases.
The government has also approved ₹122.83 crore annually for operational expenses, ensuring that the upgraded institutions continue to function efficiently after construction and modernization are completed.
Rural Areas to Benefit Most
Many of the upgraded facilities are located in districts where patients currently depend on referral hospitals for specialized treatment. By expanding bed capacity and diagnostic facilities at local institutions, authorities expect to reduce overcrowding at tertiary hospitals.
Health department officials said the project aligns with India’s broader objective of strengthening primary healthcare and making affordable treatment accessible across rural communities.
The initiative is expected to be implemented in phases, with construction, recruitment, and equipment procurement beginning after administrative approvals are completed.
