Fixed schedule introduced for healthcare services
Focus on outpatient consultations, village visits, home visits, telemedicine and 14 types of laboratory tests
Mumbai, October 2026 : The Public Health Department has issued detailed guidelines for the functioning of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs to ensure quality, comprehensive and continuous primary healthcare services are available close to the homes of people in rural areas across Maharashtra.
Under the new guidelines, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs operating at the sub-centre level will provide regular outpatient services, village visits, home visits, telemedicine consultations, screening for various diseases and essential primary medical treatment. The initiative is expected to make healthcare services in rural areas more accessible and effective.
In line with the Central Government's concept of comprehensive primary healthcare, existing health sub-centres have been transformed into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. These centres will focus not only on treatment but also on preventive healthcare, early detection of diseases, health promotion and referral services wherever necessary.
Fixed Schedule for Healthcare Services
According to the new guidelines, outpatient services will be available at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm, Monday to Friday.
During this period, patients will undergo medical examinations and receive necessary medicines and primary health check-ups, including blood pressure monitoring.
From 2 pm to 4 pm, village visits and community-level healthcare activities will be conducted according to schedules prepared by Community Health Officers (CHOs) in coordination with Medical Officers.
Home visits will be undertaken between 4 pm and 5 pm, while the period from 5 pm to 5.30 pm will be reserved for recording the day's activities and updating information on the relevant online portals.
On Saturdays, outpatient services will be available from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm. Meetings at the sub-centre or Primary Health Centre level, along with e-Sanjeevani and telemedicine services, will also be organised.
Healthcare Services to Reach Every Village
To ensure that rural residents do not have to travel long distances for medical assistance, Community Health Officers have been directed to visit at least one village every day.
Between 2 pm and 4 pm, outpatient services will be organised at available facilities in Anganwadi centres, primary schools or Gram Panchayat offices.
The days scheduled for village visits must be fixed and followed consistently without changes. Local ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers will inform residents in advance about the availability of these services.
Home visits will focus on pregnant women, lactating mothers, women who have undergone family planning surgeries, young children and patients suffering from communicable and non-communicable diseases. Healthcare services and follow-up care will be provided to these groups.
14 Types of Tests, Medicines and Telemedicine Services
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been directed to maintain stocks of essential medicines and provide necessary laboratory testing facilities.
In accordance with Central Government guidelines, emphasis will be placed on conducting 14 types of laboratory tests. The regular use of e-Sanjeevani and telemedicine technology will enable residents to access consultations with specialist doctors.
The availability of essential medical equipment, supplies and medicines at these centres has also been made mandatory.
Special attention will be given to the screening and follow-up of patients suffering from tuberculosis, leprosy and sickle cell disease, as well as those requiring palliative care. High-risk pregnant women, newborn babies and other vulnerable groups will also receive priority attention.
Surveillance activities under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme and screening for non-communicable diseases will also be undertaken.
Regular Monitoring of Operations
A system of daily, weekly and monthly monitoring has been introduced to assess the functioning of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
Medical Officers at Primary Health Centres will review their functioning daily, Taluka Health Officers will conduct weekly reviews, while District Health Officers will undertake monthly assessments.
Performance will be evaluated using various indicators, including daily and weekly outpatient attendance, telemedicine consultations, disease-wise screening, patient referrals, home visits and the number of yoga sessions conducted.
A committee headed by senior officials of the Health Department has also been constituted to ensure effective implementation of the initiative. The committee has been directed to review the programme every three months and recommend necessary changes to the guidelines.
The initiative is expected to transform Ayushman Arogya Mandirs from conventional treatment centres into effective hubs for preventive healthcare, early disease detection and health promotion, taking essential medical services to villages across the state.
Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar said, "The day-care OPD services at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs will make healthcare facilities accessible close to the homes of poor, needy and ordinary citizens in both rural and urban areas. The need to travel long distances for medical treatment will be reduced, saving time while ensuring access to free healthcare services.
"Through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, a new chapter in healthcare delivery is being ushered in across villages, which will provide significant relief to the common people."
