On Thursday, Sunetra Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and guardian minister for Pune district, inaugurated 45 model primary health centres (PHCs) across Pune district. The inauguration, which included the opening of 44 centres via video conferencing, aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on reducing unnecessary expenditure and promoting energy conservation. These upgraded PHCs aim to provide urban-quality healthcare infrastructure in rural areas, featuring modular operation theatres, digital health management systems, and improved maternal and child health services. Currently, Pune district has 110 PHCs, with 55 undergoing modernization. Pawar also announced a cervical cancer prevention initiative, 'Cervical Cancer Free Baramati for Mothers and Daughters,' offering free HPV DNA screenings and vaccinations for girls aged 9 to 14. Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar highlighted the potential for the Pune model to be studied and implemented across Maharashtra, ensuring that rural citizens receive quality healthcare close to home. The initiative reflects a commitment to making public health a community-driven movement.