Pune: The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Pune Cantonment General Hospital has scaled up surgical care for hundreds of patients after the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) deployed its specialised doctors at the facility.The collaboration is a major relief for the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) which has been financially constrained. Budget limitations have left it struggling to appoint contractual specialists.AFMC has deputed a general surgeon and a gynaecologist, among others, significantly improving access to critical procedures over the last few months.Hospital officials said the impact was immediate and substantial.”Now, we perform at least 50 surgeries every month across various departments. Earlier, many patients had to be referred elsewhere due to lack of specialists,” said Dr Usha Tapase, resident medical officer, PCB.“A few years ago, AFMC had discontinued its services to the hospital over security concerns. We pursued the matter consistently and they resumed their support. It has made a real difference,” Tapase added.The hospital handles a heavy patient load and caters to nearly 500 outpatients daily. Doctors are able to conduct one to two surgeries every day with the added expertise, reducing waiting time and improving treatment outcomes. Almost all surgeries are free under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, ensuring that economically weaker patients are not denied treatment.A senior doctor at the hospital said, “We have streamlined the system so that patients can easily access surgeries and advanced treatments without taking on a financial burden. The support from AFMC has strengthened our capabilities.”Many of the patients come from low-income backgrounds and have expressed relief on the improved services. A resident (38) of Pune Camp said, “I was advised to have surgery months ago. However, I couldn’t afford a private hospital. Everything was arranged under the Ayushman scheme at the PCB hospital. I didn’t spend anything.”Another patient said, “Doctors explained everything clearly and operated within a few days. We had to wait for referrals earlier, but treatment is available right here now.”Cantonment hospital officials said the partnership with AFMC was showing positive results. They hoped the arrangement would continue and ensure sustained access to affordable and quality healthcare to Camp residents. However, activists said the PCB must build a separate infrastructure for expensive medical tests at the hospital.
