1,440 MBBS doctors join Maharashtra's public healthcare system; another 621 doctors to be recruited
Doctors urged to uphold compassion, effective communication and patients' trust
Mumbai, November 2026 : Obtaining a medical degree is an academic achievement, but earning the trust of society as a doctor is the real reward, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said on Wednesday. Emphasising the importance of patient-centric healthcare, he urged doctors to work with dedication, compassion, sensitivity and effective communication.
"Every patient comes to a hospital with pain and anxiety. The real success of a doctor's service lies in ensuring that the patient returns home satisfied after receiving treatment," Shinde said.
He was speaking at a ceremony organised by the Public Health Department at the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in Mumbai, where appointment letters were distributed to 1,440 newly recruited medical officers.
Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Sachin Ahir, Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, Minister of State Meghna Sakore-Bordikar, Malnutrition Task Force Chairman Dr Deepak Sawant, MPs Sanjay Jadhav and Dhairyasheel Mane, MLA Manisha Kayande, Principal Secretary Dr Nipun Vinayak, Commissioner Dr Sanjay Katkar, Commissioner Sunil Bhokare, and Directors Dr Nitin Ambadekar and Dr Vijay Kandewad were among those present.
Describing the occasion as a historic day for the state's Health Department, Shinde congratulated the newly appointed doctors. He said approximately 700 women doctors were among the recruits and that the recruitment process had been completed transparently and on the basis of merit.
The large-scale recruitment would strengthen healthcare services in regions facing a shortage of doctors, particularly rural and remote areas, he said.
With 1,440 MBBS doctors joining the state healthcare system simultaneously, medical services across Maharashtra are expected to receive a significant boost. The government will also recruit another 621 doctors to ensure that patients in need have access to timely treatment, Shinde added.
Improved Facilities for Doctors and Patients
The Deputy Chief Minister said adequate availability of doctors was essential to providing quality healthcare to citizens. He added that the government also had a responsibility to provide medical professionals with good accommodation, clean and safe surroundings, recreational facilities and sports amenities.
Acknowledging the demanding nature of medical services, Shinde assured doctors that the government would not allow a shortage of funds to hinder the creation of a supportive working environment.
He stressed that hospitals must maintain high standards of cleanliness and provide safe drinking water, adequate stocks of medicines and well-equipped operation theatres. Such facilities would enable doctors to perform their duties more effectively.
Citing the transformation of the doctors' hostel at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa within three months, he directed officials to undertake necessary improvements in doctors' residential facilities across the state.
Shinde also emphasised the importance of regular communication between doctors, patients and their family members. Clear explanations about illnesses, treatment procedures and the patient's condition can prevent misunderstandings and strengthen confidence in medical care.
He said the reassurance and emotional support offered by doctors played an important role in the treatment process. Patients should feel cared for and secure through the conduct and approach of medical professionals.
Doctors' Contribution During COVID-19 Applauded
Recalling the contribution of doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic, Shinde expressed gratitude for their service during the health emergency. He noted that many medical professionals contracted the infection, while some lost their lives, but continued efforts by healthcare workers ensured that hospitals remained operational and countless lives were saved.
Describing medical service as a 24-hour responsibility, he urged the newly appointed doctors to enhance the reputation of the Health Department and the state government through their professional commitment.
He also directed officials to avoid unnecessary administrative delays in healthcare-related decisions and ensure that people requiring medical assistance received timely treatment.
Shinde called upon doctors and healthcare workers to work towards making Maharashtra's Health Department the number one public healthcare system in the country.
Government Committed to Ensuring Doctors at Every Health Institution: Health Minister
Health Minister Prakash Abitkar said the Public Health Department had recruited around 1,400 doctors to ensure that no primary health centre, rural hospital or district hospital in the state remained without a doctor.
He urged the newly appointed medical officers to work transparently and provide quality healthcare to citizens.
The doctors were selected from approximately 10,000 applicants, he said. In the next phase, the government plans to recruit another 600 doctors and appoint 1,900 Community Health Officers at health sub-centres across Maharashtra.
The government will also soon launch 350 new '108' emergency ambulances. In addition, a decision has been taken to absorb 15,000 employees working under the National Health Mission into regular service, Abitkar said.
As part of the ceremony, 12 doctors were symbolically handed appointment letters by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Minister of State Meghna Sakore-Bordikar and Principal Secretary Dr Nipun Vinayak also addressed the gathering. Commissioner Dr Sanjay Katkar delivered the introductory remarks.
