New facilities to offer free primary healthcare, vaccinations, medical tests and screening for diabetes and hypertension.

The Centres

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has launched 59 Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs to improve access to primary healthcare and provide essential medical services closer to residents’ homes.

The centres were virtually inaugurated by Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik on the occasion of Dussehra during a programme held at NMMC’s CBSE School No. 94 in Kopar Khairane. Established under the National Urban Health Mission and the 15th Finance Commission, the centres aim to strengthen healthcare services, particularly for people who may find it difficult to access larger hospitals for routine medical needs.

The facilities will provide free treatment for minor illnesses, including common ailments such as fever and cough. Services will also include maternal and child healthcare, antenatal check-ups, vaccinations and postnatal care. Residents will be able to undergo blood tests and screening for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. These services are expected to help identify health conditions at an early stage and encourage timely treatment. The centres will be staffed by healthcare professionals, including medical officers, nurses and multipurpose health workers. Free medicines will also be provided as required.

During the inauguration, Naik expressed confidence that the new facilities would make reliable healthcare more accessible to residents near their homes. The initiative is part of NMMC’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare and reduce the need for residents to visit major civic hospitals for basic medical services.

Decision sparks political tensions between Eknath Shinde and Ganesh Naik over redevelopment and civic infrastructure concerns.

The Projects

The Maharashtra government’s Urban Development Department, headed by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has lifted the stay on five cluster redevelopment projects in Vashi and Ghansoli, intensifying political differences with Forest Minister Ganesh Naik.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) had earlier decided to halt approvals for cluster redevelopment projects until a detailed study was conducted on their impact on the city’s infrastructure. Concerns were raised about the additional pressure redevelopment could place on roads and other civic facilities.

However, the state government has now cleared the way for five projects to move forward. According to reports, three projects had already received approval from a high-level committee headed by NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde, while the remaining proposals were being processed.

The projects cover more than 1.25 lakh square metres across Vashi and Ghansoli. Ganesh Naik criticised the decision and indicated that he would approach the court. He maintained that concerns regarding infrastructure and the city’s future development needed to be addressed before redevelopment approvals were granted.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena district chief Kishor Patkar criticised Naik and his supporters for allegedly delaying the projects. He also raised concerns about the safety of residents living in old and dilapidated buildings.

The decision has brought the differences between Shinde and Naik into focus, despite their parties being political allies in Maharashtra. The dispute centres on balancing the redevelopment of ageing buildings with the need to protect Navi Mumbai’s infrastructure and residents’ safety.

Forest Minister Ganesh Naik inaugurates modern school auditorium in Kopar Khairane as Navi Mumbai expands access to primary healthcare.

The Launch

Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik inaugurated a modern 650-seat auditorium at Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s (NMMC) CBSE School No. 94 in Sector 11, Kopar Khairane, and virtually launched 59 Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the city on Dussehra. Located on the school’s fourth floor, the auditorium features air-conditioning, modern sound and lighting systems, specialized acoustics and facilities for stage performances and audio-visual presentations. It will host school functions, cultural events and other public programmes.

Ganesh Naik praised the civic body’s efforts to improve educational infrastructure and healthcare services, expressing confidence that the new health centres would provide residents with convenient access to medical care.

Mayor Sujata Patil said NMMC was committed to quality education and modern facilities to support students’ overall development. Former MP Sanjeev Naik stressed the importance of maintaining the auditorium and suggested introducing teleconsultation services at the health centres. House Leader Sagar Naik described the auditorium as a Dussehra gift to city residents and encouraged people to use the new facilities.

Established under the National Urban Health Mission and the 15th Finance Commission, the 59 health centres will offer free primary healthcare services, including treatment for minor illnesses, maternal and child healthcare, antenatal check-ups, vaccinations, blood tests, and screening for diabetes and hypertension. Several civic representatives and officials attended the inauguration ceremony.